September 23, 2021
MAN TAKEN INTO PROTECTIVE CUSTODY OUTSIDE
On Wednesday at approximately 11:24 a.m., Montgomery County Joint Communication received a call advising that a subject in a blue station wagon was headed to the Montgomery County Courthouse to commit suicide. Law Enforcement immediately located the vehicle in question, parked on the east side of the Courthouse, across from the Fire Department. Montgomery County Deputies, along with Montgomery City Police, approached the vehicle and made contact with the driver. Officers observed that the subject was armed with a revolver. While speaking with the subject it was evident he was in crisis. After a short time, Officers were able to disarm the subject and take him into protective custody. A search of the vehicle revealed 3 handguns, 1 Rifle, and a large quantity of ammo. The subject was transported to the hospital for a mental health evaluation. The Montgomery City Police Department will be conducting the investigation into this incident.
PUBLIC MEETING TO DISCUSS EMERGENCY RESPONSE AND PREPARDNESS AT CALLAWAY PLANT IN EVENT OF RADIOLOGICAL EMERGENCY
A public meeting will be held today, Thursday, September 23, 2021, to discuss the evaluation results of a graded exercise at the Callaway Energy Center located near Reform, Missouri held on Tuesday of this week. Members of the public can attend this meeting beginning at 10:00 a.m. this morning at the Missouri State Emergency Management Agency,
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources awarded $6 million in financial assistance to the city of
The funding assistance will also allow the city to prepay the prior loan for the purchase of about 140 acres for additional land application. By adding supplemental land application capability to the existing treatment system, the city can eliminate overland flow discharge to
September 22, 2021
GOVERNOR PARSON AND GOVERNOR KELLY ANNOUNCE LAUNCH OF REGIONAL 'NATIONAL SECURITY CROSSROADS' INITIATIVE
On Tuesday, Governor Mike Parson joined with Governor Laura Kelly to announce the launch of the National Security Crossroads, a multi-state initiative aimed at raising awareness of and facilitating collaboration and efficiencies within national security missions in the Heartland region.
The National Security Crossroads represents a regional branding effort to bring awareness at all levels of government, as well as around the country, to the expanding base of security-related operations in the area. As the “heartland” of the
Seven major military bases are housed within the Crossroads area, covering the Army, Navy, and Air Force branches. The region also includes 11 national security installations, focusing on geospatial-intelligence, net-centric solutions, non-nuclear component manufacturing, combined arms preparations, strategic attack deterrents, bio-threat prevention, along with other critical technology and infrastructure concentrations.
The Crossroads region stretches from
The program facilitates workforce and talent growth and resiliency, as well as collaboration between installations that enable Crossroads members to be agile and resilient. The effort also seeks to educate state and federal legislators and others in the region on the value of the Crossroads and its associated missions.
The launch of National Security Crossroads includes the unveiling of the initiative's new website, designed to introduce the public to the partners involved and to communicate the ongoing efforts of the collaborative initiative. Visitors to www.nationalsecuritycrossroads.com will also be able to access information on upcoming events, including webinars regarding regional updates.
ROOTS N BLUES KICKS OFF FRIDAY WITH SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Roots N Blues returns to
Roots N Blues is scheduled to kick off Friday, with the festival making its return after being canceled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. KMIZ TV is reporting attendees will be required to either submit proof of vaccination or of a negative test in order to attend. The festival said in a statement, "It’s simple: We trust health care professionals. The health of our community is our first priority. The safest way to enjoy live music right now is to be vaccinated against COVID-19." Proof of vaccination can include an original, a direct photocopy or photo of your valid vaccine card. It is recommended that all attendees, regardless of vaccination status, obtain a negative test before entering. Traffic will also be impacted throughout the weekend, with MODOT Area Engineer saying “We know that the closing of one lane of the interstate and the entrance ramp will greatly impact eastbound traffic, especially with the Roots ‘N Blues Festival in Columbia this weekend,” The engineer went on to say, "“These closures are necessary for the safety of travelers on the road." A stretch of Old 63 will be Northbound only near the
September 21, 2021
WELLSVILLE DRIVERS INVOLVED IN CRASH
This past Friday, 29 year old Patrick D. Powers of Wellsville was driving as a First Responder with lights activated on Route A at
SEVERAL HURT IN DOWNTOWN
Several people were injured in a shooting in downtown
Columbia Police responded to a report of shots fired in the 10 block of
Argument in
On Sunday, September 19, 2021 at approximately 10:07 AM, the Mexico Public Safety Department responded to ADM in reference to a fire. Responding personnel found a fire in the attic of a machine shed located on the south side of the plant. ADM staff had discovered the fire and were making efforts to extinguish it. The fire was contained and extinguished with only the immediate area suffering any fire damage. It appeared the fire was caused by some work being done in the shed. There were no injuries.
September 20, 2021
SERVICE-ORIENTED INDIVIDUALS NEEDED TO PLOW SNOW
Full time and seasonal positions available at MoDOT
You can make a difference in the lives of all who travel
Applicants need to be at least 18 years old, successfully complete a criminal background check (a misdemeanor or felony conviction is not an automatic restriction to employment), and have a commercial driver’s license (CDL). A passing grade on the written portion of the commercial driver's license (CDL) exam is required prior to hire date. Must pass the driving portion of the CDL exam with tanker endorsement, no air brake restrictions (Class B).
If you don’t already have a commercial driver’s license (CDL), MoDOT will provide training to help you obtain one. Full-time maintenance employees receive training and a long list of benefits including paid leave, medical, vision and dental insurance and a retirement plan; and a culturally diverse workplace that is dedicated to safety and personal development. Full-time employment with MoDOT provides opportunities for advancement and a long-term career.
Seasonal help is also needed. Individuals can apply for an emergency maintenance equipment operator position. These are seasonal crew members who help out when inclement weather hits.
To learn more about these opportunities and to apply online for positions across the state, go to www.modot.org/opportunities-maintenance. If you don’t have computer access, you may obtain an application for employment at any MoDOT facility across the state.
Registration is open for the 2021 Great Central U. S. “ShakeOut” earthquake drill on Oct. 21. More than 320,000 people are already registered for this year’s ShakeOut drill, which is designed to remind people how to protect themselves during an earthquake.
At exactly 10:21 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 21, participants will practice the “Drop, Cover, Hold On” technique:
DROP to your hands and knees;
COVER your head and neck with your hands and arms under a table or desk if you can; and
HOLD ON until the shaking stops.
Studies show that in developed countries with modern structures, falling debris is the most common source of injuries in an earthquake. Experts advise that when an earthquake occurs in the
To sign up for the ShakeOut, visit www.shakeout.org/centralus. Schools, businesses, community organizations or any other group can register, in addition to families and individuals. Once registered, participants receive regular updates on the drill, as well as information on earthquake preparedness and safety.
The New Madrid Seismic Zone, centered in southeast
To learn more about earthquakes in
Weekend Report- September 18-19, 2021
TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURES IN
Weather permitting, MoDOT crews will be performing road work on state routes in
Motorists will need to use caution and use alternate routes during this time.
MSHP MARKS 90 YEARS OF SERVICE & PROTECTION
A letter from Colonel Eric T. Olson, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol:
For nine decades, the Missouri State Highway Patrol has answered the call to serve and protect the citizens of this great state. In 1931, a superintendent, six captains, 49 troopers, and a few civilians launched the legacy of exceptional service and protection that remains. From these humble beginnings evolved the full-service law enforcement agency you know today. Our employees have embraced each additional responsibility--the crime laboratory, driver testing, criminal records, commercial vehicle enforcement, motor vehicle inspection, criminal investigation, gaming enforcement, and marine operations, to name a few. Numerous natural disasters and serious incidents, increasing social unrest, and most recently, the coronavirus pandemic inspire us to continue being
Patrol employees have shown the public we are ladies and gentlemen who serve and protect one contact, one stakeholder at a time for 90 years. Our employees have been and will continue to be connected to the community in which they live. We are your neighbors, school board members, and local volunteers.
As we recognize how far we've come since 1931, we are creating a vision for our future. Our vision is simple: We are committed to being professional, courteous, compassionate, resourceful, and responsible. We will hold ourselves to the highest degree of integrity and show respect to all people. We will excel as a criminal justice leader and to help ensure
September 16, 2021
GOV. PARSON ORDERS FLAGS TO FLY AT HALF-STAFF IN HONOR OF FALLEN MARINE
On Wednesday Governor Mike Parson ordered that the
On Thursday, August 26 Lance Corporal Schmitz was killed in-the-line-of-duty while courageously assisting with evacuation efforts in
“We owe a debt gratitude to Lance Corporal Jared Schmitz that can never be repaid, but we will always remember and honor his service and sacrifice on behalf of our nation in the defense of freedom," Governor Parson said. “He put his life on the line protecting our service members and allies, and he made the ultimate sacrifice for his bravery. Our hearts go out to Lance Corporal Jared Schmitz’s family and friends.”
COLUMBIA
The Columbia Fire Department was dispatched to
PERSON PINNED UNDER VEHICLE WHEN VEHICLE CRASHED INTO COLUMBIA HOME WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON
Three people were injured when a pickup truck crashed into a home in central
September 15, 2021
Authorities say a
The patrol said a
MULTIPLE CHAMPIONSHIP TROPHIES FROM
Governor Mike Parson has arranged for multiple championship trophies from
The championship trophies to be viewed and available for photos for the general public include:
This weekend on Saturday, September 18 at 10 a.m. in Jefferson City Governor Parson and First Lady Parson are hosting the Bicentennial Inaugural Parade. Also, on Saturday, September 18 at 5:00 p.m. in
The Missouri State Capitol will also feature the Missouri Bicentennial Quilt, Missouri State Parks Quilt, and Missouri Bicentennial Mural on display from 8:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. on Saturday.
September 14, 2021
TRUMAN STUDENT ACCUSED OF MAKING TERRORIST THREAT ON 9/11 ANNIVERSARY
KTVO and KTVO dot com also reports student at
MODOT SHARES DETAILS REGARDING POSSIBLE REMOVAL OF BUSINESS LOOP EXIT RAMP
Information is being made available regarding the possible removal of the Interstate 70 westbound exit ramp at Business Loop 70, along with the 64-year old bridge over eastbound I-70 in the City of
September 13, 2021
CHILD PASSENGER SAFETY WEEK IS SEPTEMBER 15TH – 21ST
This Wednesday, September 15th marks the beginning of Child Passenger Safety Week. The Missouri State Highway Patrol joins the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the National Safety Council, Safe Kids Worldwide, and other safety advocates to commemorate National Child Passenger Safety Week (September 15-21, 2021). The primary goal of this program is to remind all parents and other adults responsible for children traveling in motor vehicles of the importance of child safety seats and seat belts. Every year, children suffer needless injuries. In 2020, 11 children under the age of eight were killed in traffic crashes, and another 1,438 were injured. Troopers issued citations to 1,040 drivers who failed to secure children less than eight years old in a child restraint/booster seat in 2020. Troopers issued citations to an additional 141 drivers who failed to secure a child 80 pounds or more or over 4’9” in a seat belt in 2020. Troopers investigate traffic crashes every day. Nothing is more disturbing than a traffic crash that includes a child being hurt or killed. The Missouri State Highway Patrol encourages every driver to make sure child passengers in their vehicles are restrained properly.
According to a report from the Chillicothe Fire Department crews responded to a house fire in
Weekend Report- September 11-12, 2021
BRIDGE MAINTENANCE SCHEDULED
Weather permitting, Sept. 13-23, MoDOT crews will be performing bridge maintenance work on Route E in
TIERPOINT ANNOUNCES PLAN TO BUILD NEW
TierPoint, a leading provider of secure, connected data center and cloud solutions, has announced plans to build a new, 23,000 square foot, Tier III data center in the Westport area of St. Louis County. Backed by an approximately $20 million commitment, the facility will include 14,500 square feet of production or raised floor space.
TierPoint has already secured an anchor tenant for the new facility, which is expected to be finished and open to clients in the second quarter of 2022.
TierPoint also operates two other data centers in downtown
September 9, 2021
THREE VEHICLES COLLIDE IN
Troopers say one person had minor injuries after a 3 vehicle collision in
HOMICIDE INVESTIGATION UPDATE
The Boone County Sheriff’s Office indicated on their Facebook social media page the investigation into the murders of Allison and Jozee Abitz on 08/22/2021 is still active and the search for the suspect, JT McLean, continues. Investigators just recently received information that
INMATE BACK IN CUSTODY AT
KRCG TV reports an inmate who was incorrectly released from the Randolph County Jail last month is now back in custody. According to the county's online inmate records, Goble was re-booked into their custody on September 6th, at 11:33 pm. She also now faces one count of Escape and one count of Forgery. Sheriff Aaron Wilson says another inmate was supposed to have been released, but a new guard confused the two women.
September 8, 2021
FEWER DEATHS REPORTED FROM TRAFFIC CRASHES OVER LABOR DAY WEEKEND IN
Seven people died in crashes over the Labor Day weekend across
WESTBOUND I-70 TO BE CLOSED WHILE REMAINS OF FALLEN MARINE ESCORTED TO
Several miles of westbound traffic on Interstate 70 in suburban
CHILD PASSENGER SAFETY WEEK IS SEPTEMBER 15TH – 21ST
The Missouri State Highway Patrol joins the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the National Safety Council, Safe Kids Worldwide, and other safety advocates to commemorate National Child Passenger Safety Week (September 15-21, 2021). The primary goal of this program is to remind all parents and other adults responsible for children traveling in motor vehicles of the importance of child safety seats and seat belts. Every year, children suffer needless injuries. In 2020, 11 children under the age of eight were killed in traffic crashes, and another 1,438 were injured. Troopers issued citations to 1,040 drivers who failed to secure children less than eight years old in a child restraint/booster seat in 2020. Troopers issued citations to an additional 141 drivers who failed to secure a child 80 pounds or more or over 4’9” in a seat belt in 2020. Troopers investigate traffic crashes every day. Nothing is more disturbing than a traffic crash that includes a child being hurt or killed. The Missouri State Highway Patrol encourages every driver to make sure child passengers in their vehicles are restrained properly.
September 7, 2021
CHILD ENDANGERMENT CHARGES HAVE BEEN FILED AGAINST
A St Louis TV Station is reporting a couple was arrested after allegedly overdosing on drugs while their 4-week-old child was inside the backseat of the car in Franklin County Friday. Police say child endangerment charges have been filed against 25-year-old Haley Kester, of
WOMAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN BOATING ACCIDENT AT
Two Moberly residents and one from
WOMAN FOUND DEAD IN CAR ON FRIDAY – SUSPECT HAS NOW BEEN ARRESTED
KTVO and KTVO dot com is reporting the suspect wanted in connection with a female found dead in a parked car late Friday morning has been taken into custody. According to the Palmyra Police Department, on Saturday, deputies from the Menard County Sheriff’s Department in
September 6, 2021
Two juveniles were identified and detained Thursday in connection with a shot fired incident in the 200 block of
FEMA APPROVES GOVERNORS DISASSTER DECLARATION REQUEST FOR SEVERE STORMS, FLOODING
21 Missouri Counties to Receive Federal Assistance for Damaged Roads, Bridges, and Other Infrastructure
Thursday, Governor Mike Parson announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved
September 2, 2021
THREE PEOPLE INJURED IN PIKE
Troopers say three people were hurt in a single vehicle crash in
HOLTS
The patrol said Gregory Paull, age 67 of Holts Summit was transported to Capital Regional Hospital by Callaway County EMS after he was hit in the face by a large piece of tin that fell off a tow unit being pulled by a vehicle ahead of him. Paull was westbound on US 54 west of Holts Summit around 2:10 PM Wednesday when the incident occurred and was traveling on a motorcycle. The vehicle ahead of him was driven by 32 year old Len Hong of Holts Summit. Paull sustained moderate injuries.
The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Department recently released a report showing investigations and other information for the period of August 20th through August 26th …
· On August 20th, 2021, deputies responded to the Jonesburg area for a report of a stolen vehicle. A tan 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee was stolen from a barn, as well as other personal property. The investigation remains active and if you have any information on this case, please contact the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office.
· On August 21, 2021, deputies took a report of a blackmail scam in the
· On August 21, 2021, deputies stopped a vehicle in Jonesburg for displaying the wrong license plate. The driver had an active warrant out of
· On August 21, 2021, deputies took a report of a lost or stolen firearm in the New Florence area. The reporting party had placed the firearm in a location within the house several months ago. When he went to retrieve it he found it was missing. The owner did not have a serial number for the firearm so we are unable to enter any information into a database to list the firearm as lost or stolen. It's very important to have this information documented and stored in a safe location.
· On August 22, 2021, deputies responded to the New Florence area to assist
· On August 22, 2021, deputies responded to the Buell area for an abandoned trailer. Upon arrival, deputies discovered the trailer had been stolen from
· On August 24, 2021, deputies responded to the
· On August 24, 2021, deputies responded to McKittrick for a disturbance in which an intoxicated person was refusing to leave the residence. Upon arrival, deputies convinced the subject to leave and transported him to his residence in Hermann. A few hours’ later deputies were called back to the residence for a domestic dispute involving a baseball bat and multiple people within the residence. Deputies were able to determine and locate the aggressor, who was arrested and transported to the Montgomery County Jail with pending charges for Domestic Assault.
Calls for the Week:
· 911 Accidental –
· Assist MCAD Medical –
· Stolen Vehicle –
· Threats –
· Check Well Being – Jonesburg
· Child Custody Dispute –
· 911 Accidental –
· 911 Accidental – I 70 WB 168 mm
· Assist Other Agency Runaway Juvenile –
· Assist MCAD Medical –
· Stealing – High Hill
· Information – Jonesburg
· Harassment –
· Suspicious Vehicle – New
· Domestic – Jonesburg
· Motor Vehicle Accident –
· Pedestrian Check – I 70 WB 181 mm
· Assist Other Agency – High Hill
· Investigation – Jonesburg
· 911 Accidental –
· Property Damage – High Hill
· Stolen Vehicle –
· 911 Accidental –
· Stealing – New
· Traffic Hazard – I 70 WB 178 mm
· Traffic Hazard – I 70 EB 178 mm
· Assist Other Agency –
· 911 Open Line – Jonesburg
· Assist MCAD Medical –
· Assist Other Agency – Jonesburg
· Disturbance – Jonesburg
· 911 Accidental – I 70 WB 168 mm
· Motorist Assist – I 70 EB 176 mm
· 911 Accidental –
· C & I Driver – I 70 EB 163 mm
· 911 Accidental – I 70 EB 171 mm
· Disturbance –
· Suspicious Activity – Jonesburg
· Check Well Being –
· Citizen Assist –
· Citizen Assist – Jonesburg
· 911 Accidental – Unknown
· 911 Accidental –
· Citizen Assist –
· Check Well Being – Jonesburg
· Property Damage – Wellsville
· Assist BFFD Fire – Truxton
· Alarm –
· 911 Accidental –
· Motorist Assist –
· Stealing –
· Assist MSHP Motor Vehicle Accident – I 70 EB 177mm
· Assist MCAD Medical –
· 911 Open Line – New
· Check Well Being –
· Unwanted Subject –
· Leave Without Pay –
· Check Well Being –
· Domestic – McKittrick
· 911 Accidental –
· 911 Accidental – Jonesburg
· Assist MCAD Medical – Jonesburg
· Motor Vehicle Accident – New
· Check Well Being –
· Traffic Hazard – I 70 EB 177 mm
· Assist Other Agency – I 70
· 911 Accidental – Jonesburg
· Suspicious Vehicle – McKittrick
· Domestic – New
· Juvenile Complaint – Wellsville
· 911 Open Line – Hermann
· Motor Vehicle Accident – I 70 EB 168 mm
· Traffic Hazard – New
· 911 Accidental – Wellsville
· Attempt to Contact –
· Motor Vehicle Accident – New
· Suspicious Vehicle – High Hill
· 911 Open Line –
· Assist Other Agency – I 70 WB
· 911 Accidental –
· Property Damage – New
· Abandoned Vehicle – Wellsville
· Check Well Being – Jonesburg
· Juvenile Complaint – Wellsville
· Public Service Request – High Hill
· Juvenile Complaint – Wellsville
· Suspicious Activity –
· Fraud – New
· Suspicious Person – Jonesburg
· Disturbance – Jonesburg
· Motorist Assist –
· Suspicious Activity – Jonesburg
· Animal Complaint –
· Attempt to Contact –
· Property Damage - Wellsville
· Stealing - Motor Vehicle - Jonesburg
· Assault -
· Harassment -
· Warrant Arrest - Jonesburg
· Lost/Stolen Gun - New
· Mental Health -
· Warrant Arrest -
· Recovered Stolen Property - County
· Trailer Inspection -
· Endangering the Welfare of Child -
· Domestic Assault - McKittrick
· Assault - Wellsville
· Motor Vehicle Accident -
· Death Investigation -
· Warrant Arrest - Jonesburg
· Warrant Arrest -
· Violation of Order Of Protection -
· Public Utility Damage - Wellsville
September 1, 2021
VANDALIA MAN KILLED IN SINGLE VEHICLE CRASH IN
Troopers say a Vandalia man was killed when he failed to negotiate a curve on Route P, 3 miles northwest of Vandalia in
The patrol said a 16 year old female was behind the wheel of a vehicle that ran off the right side of MO 151, 4 miles north of
The patrol reported a drowning at the
AREA ELECTRIC CO-OP LINEWORKERS LEFT TUESDAY MORNING TRAVELING TO
Hurricane Ida left a trail of damage and destruction along the
August 31, 2021
13 YEAR OLD BOY DIES FROM DRUG OVERDOSE DURING WEEKEND SLEEPOVER IN
Authorities in eastern
The investigation continues into a fatal accident that occurred early Monday morning on US 63 North near the
August 30, 2021
MODOT SAYS BRIDGE WORK ON I70 MAY RESULT IN DELAYS
Work on the I-70 Perche Creek Bridge west of
Columbia Police have arrested Mark Lindell Martin, 57, of
Weekend Report- August 28-29, 2021
JUVENILE INJURED IN CALLAWAY
A juvenile from
WOMAN HURT IN EARLY SATURDAY MORNING WRECK
A Cole Camp woman was hurt in a one-vehicle wreck early Saturday morning in
MAN KILLED IN FRIDAY NIGHT CRASH
August 27, 2021
WOMAN DIES WHEN STOLEN VEHICLE CRASHES IN
Missouri State Troopers say a woman died and a man was injured after the stolen vehicle they were riding in crashed along a
August 26, 2021
TWO EJECTED IN
Troopers say two people were ejected in a crash on
FIRST DEGREE MURDER CHARGES FILED AGAINST BOYFRIEND IN
On 08/22/2021, at about 10:58 pm, Boone County Joint Communications received a call from a concerned subject reporting they had been unable to contact Allison Abitz and her daughter Jozee Abitz, who both resided in the 7500 block of
•
•
•
•
•
Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of
August 25, 2021
TWO ARRESTED AFTER BEING STOPPED BY
On Thursday, August 18 at approximately 4:15 p.m., the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office K9 Unit stopped a vehicle at the Jonesburg FastLane. After making contact with the driver and due to developing circumstances, the K9 was taken around the vehicle and gave a positive alert on two areas of the vehicle. During the search of the vehicle, Deputies seized a bag containing more than 1/2 pound of methamphetamine, another smaller bag of methamphetamine, a firearm with a defaced serial number, and drug paraphernalia. In addition Deputies seized methamphetamine, heroin, and a syringe from the pockets of the driver. Two subjects were arrested as a result of the traffic stop. Cody G. Jackson, a 33 year old man from Warrenton and Christopher M. Skelton, age 37 from Foristell, Missouri were both transported to the Montgomery County Jail for Drug Trafficking, Possession of a Controlled Substance, and Possession of a Defaced Firearm.
Columbia Police were dispatched to the 400 block of
OVERLOADED CIRCUIT TO BLAME FOR
On August 20 at 8:37 pm, Mexico Public Safety officers were dispatched to 5 Venus in
August 24, 2021
HEAT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH 8 PM THURSDAY
Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out
of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young
children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles
under any circumstances.
Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When
possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or
evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat
stroke. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when
possible. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational
Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent
rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone
overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location.
Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9 1 1.
MISSOURI TASK FORCE TO CONDUCT PUBLIC HEARING ONLINE ON WEDNESDAY TO GET INPUT ON RIGHTS OF VICTIMS OF SEXUAL ASSAULT
The state task force reviewing the treatment and support of sexual assault victims in
This is the first of four public hearings the task force has scheduled. Each of the remaining hearings will also focus on a specific topic and be held from 1 to 3 p.m. on the following dates: Sept. 14 (Standards and Practices; Sept. 22 (Survivor Privacy); and Sept. 28 (Evidence Collection). Information will be provided with details on how to listen to the sessions once it becomes available at https://dps.mo.gov/dir/programs/cvsu/task-force.php
August 23, 2021
FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL FOR MANY STUDENTS
Today is the first day of school for most area students as fall classes resume. Some have mask requirements and some don’t. Regardless , proper hygene and social distancing is something that most all are recommending as students resume actual classroom instruction.
A driver from
NEW
Troopers say 40 year old Gabriel M. Lloyd of New Bloomfield died after his pickup went off the right side of Old US 54 in Callaway County Friday morning around 10:30 am. The driver overcorrected resulting in the truck going off the left side of the road and overturning. Lloyd was not wearing a safety device and was pronounced deceased at the scene.
AUXVASSE MAN DIES FROM INJURIES AFTER CRASH SOUTH OF MOBERLY SATURDAY NIGHT
An Auxvasse man was pronounced deceased at a Columbia hospital early Sunday morning after a crash on US Highway 63, 6 miles south of Moberly at the Renick junction Saturday night at 9pm. The patrol said 73 year old Donald T. Becker was westbound and failed to yield and pulled into the path of a northbound tractor trailer unit and collided. The Becker pickup and the semi came to rest in the median and caught fire. Becker was transported to
Weekend Report- August 21-22, 2021
ROADWORK SCHEDULED FOR ROUTES IN
Weather permitting, MoDOT crews will be performing pavement work on routes in
Motorists will need to use caution when traveling through the work zone or use alternate routes.
MSHP: INCLUDE SAFETY IN YOUR PLANS FOR LABOR DAY WEEKEND
Colonel Eric T. Olson, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, encourages everyone to plan for a safe 2021 Labor Day weekend. Whether you are on the water or on the road, it’s everyone's responsibility to travel safely and observe all
As you plan your Labor Day weekend, incorporate safety into every facet:
· choosing your route,
· making sure your equipment is in good working condition,
· being aware of and following
· driving your vehicle or vessel courteously, and
· wearing a seat belt or a life jacket.
Help ensure a safer Labor Day weekend for everyone.
In
The Labor Day holiday is also a busy boating weekend. In 2020, there were 20 boating crashes which included one fatality and six injuries. There were no drownings over last year's Labor Day holiday. Troopers arrested seven people for boating while intoxicated during last year's counting period.
The 2021 counting period for the Labor Day holiday will be from 6 p.m., Friday, September 3, 2021, through 11:59 p.m. Monday, September 6, 2021.
The Highway Patrol will be participating in Operation C.A.R.E. (Crash Awareness & Reduction Effort) over the Labor Day holiday weekend. Speed, inattention, and impaired driving are leading causes of traffic crashes. All available troopers will be patrolling
Marine enforcement troopers will be working to make our waterways safer during the holiday weekend.
Never operate a vehicle or vessel while you are impaired. Alcohol consumption slows reaction time.
The public is encouraged to call the Patrol's Emergency Report Line (800) 525-5555 or *55 on your cellular phone if they witness criminal activity or experience an emergency. These emergency numbers are operational for both highway and water emergencies. If your celebration includes alcohol, designate someone else to drive whether you are in your boat or your car. Please don't become a statistic.
August 20, 2021
State Troopers report 63 year old Robert L. McBaine of
HOLLIDAY MAN PICKED UP IN
A trooper arrested a Holliday, MO man in
As the 100 Deadliest Days of Summer come to an end, highway safety officials are encouraging drivers to not let down their guard. Highway fatalities continue to be on the rise with a focus on four risky behaviors: not wearing a seat belt, cellphone use while driving, excessive speeds, and driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
From August 20 through Labor Day, law enforcement agencies across
In 2020, there were 217 people killed and 713 people seriously injured in
August 19, 2021
MARIES
In the early morning hours of Wednesday, August 18th, Deputies of the Gasconade County Sheriff's Office Located Christopher Koepke, a recent escapee from the Maries County Sheriff's Office. Koepke was taken into custody after a consensual search of a residence on
CITY OF
The Columbia City Clerk’s Office is accepting applications for boards and commissions. Boards and commissions are a way for residents to be involved in local government and to represent the voices of their fellow community members. Applications must be received by the City Clerk’s Office by 5 p.m., Friday, Sept. 3, 2021. Applications are available on the City’s website at CoMo.gov on the City Council page.
The following are current boards and commissions openings:
To view a brief description and eligibility requirements, visit CoMo.gov/Council/Vacancies or contact the Clerk's Office.
HIGHWAY PATROL PROVIDES SYNOPSIS OF NEW LAWS RELATED TO PUBLIC SAFETY, TRANSPORTATION AND MORE THAT WILL GO INTO EFFECT AUGUST 28, 2021
The abbreviated descriptions below are intended to make the public aware of some of the new legislation enacted by the Missouri General Assembly which is related to crime and motor vehicles. The listed legislation has been signed into law. Unless otherwise noted, these laws will go into effect August 28, 2021. The Patrol wishes to make the public aware of several of these new laws or changes to increase public awareness and education. For a complete description of these newly enacted laws, visit the Missouri House of Representatives or Missouri Senate websites or click on the links provided within this news release.
SB 26 PROVISIONS RELATED TO PUBLIC SAFETY & SB 53, 60 MODIFIES PROVISIONS RELATING TO PUBLIC SAFETY
EXCURSION GAMBLING BOATS (Sections 313.800, 313.805, and 313.812 RSMo) This bill modifies requirements that gaming facilities must be located on a boat, ferry, or other floating facility to allow a casino to be on a nonfloating facility within 1,000 feet of the Missouri River or Mississippi River, as defined in the bill.
RAP BACK PROGRAM (Section 590.030 RSMo)
This bill provides that, in addition to current requirements for licensure, peace officers must submit to being fingerprinted on or before January 1, 2022, for the purposes of a criminal history background check (including FBI records) and enrollment in the state and federal Rap Back Program. Additionally, any time a peace officer is commissioned with a different law enforcement agency he or she must submit to being fingerprinted. The resulting report shall be forwarded to the peace officer's law enforcement agency. The Rap Back enrollment shall be for the purposes of peace officer disciplinary reports as required by law.
LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS (Section 590.502 RSMo)
The bill establishes the "Law Enforcement Officers' Bill of Rights" and specifies certain rights a law enforcement officer has when they are the subject of an administrative investigation or are being questioned or interviewed. These rights include being informed of the violation, requiring the complaint to be supported by a sworn affidavit, and allowing the officer to have an attorney or any duly authorized representative. The bill provides that any law enforcement officer who is suspended without pay, demoted, terminated, transferred, or placed on a status resulting in economic loss is entitled to a full due process hearing. Agencies will be deemed to be in compliance with this section if they already have a substantially similar policy in place.
FLASHING LIGHTS ON MOTOR VEHICLES (Sections 304.022 and 307.175 RSMo)
This bill adds vehicles and equipment owned, leased, or operated by a coroner, medical examiner, or forensic investigator of the County's Medical Examiner's Office, when responding to a crime scene, motor vehicle accident, workplace accident, or any location at which the services of those professionals have been requested by a law enforcement officer, to the list of vehicles authorized to use or display fixed, flashing, or rotating red or red and blue lights.
HEAD START SCHOOL BUSES (Section 304.050 RSMo)
This bill provides that a certified Head Start school bus is subject to all provisions that a certified school bus is subject, including in statute regarding traffic control for school bus loading, stopping, and passing purposes.
This provision has a delayed effective date of January 1, 2022.
OFFENSE OF UNLAWFUL POSTING OF CERTAIN INFORMATION ONLINE (Section 565.240 RSMo)
Currently, it is a class C misdemeanor if a person commits the offense of unlawful posting of certain information over the internet if they knowingly post the name, home address, Social Security number, or telephone number of any person on the internet intending to cause great bodily harm or death, or threatening to cause great bodily harm or death to such person.
This bill modifies the current offense by adding "any other personally identifiable information." If a person posts the described information of any law enforcement officer, corrections officer, parole officer, judge, commissioner, or prosecuting attorney, or the information of an immediate family member of such officer, judge, commissioner, or prosecuting attorney, they shall be guilty of a class E felony.
SEXUAL MISCONDUCT OF POLICE OFFICERS (Section 566.145 RSMo)
The bill provides that a law enforcement officer who engages in sexual conduct with a detainee or prisoner who is in the custody of such officer shall be guilty of a class E felony. A person also commits the offense if the person is a probation and parole officer or a police officer or an employee of or a person assigned to work in a jail, prison, or correctional facility and the person has sexual conduct on duty and the offense is committed by means of coercion.
UNLAWFUL USE OF A LASER POINTER (Section 574.110 RSMo)
This bill creates the offense of using a laser pointer, as defined in the bill, by knowingly directing the light from a laser pointer at a uniformed safety officer, including a peace officer as defined in Section 590.010 RSMo, security guard, firefighter, emergency medical worker, or other uniformed municipal, state, or federal officer. Violation of this offense is a class A misdemeanor.
RESPIRATORY CHOKE HOLDS (Section 590.805 RSMo)
This bill provides that a law enforcement officer is prohibited from knowingly using a respiratory chokehold unless it is being used in defense of the officer or another person from serious physical injury or death. A "respiratory choke-hold" includes the use of any body part or object to attempt to control or disable a person by applying pressure to the person's neck with the purpose of controlling or restricting the person's breathing.
POLICE USE OF FORCE DATABASE (Section 590.1265 RSMo)
This bill establishes the "Police Use of Force Transparency bill of 2021." Starting March 1, 2022, each law enforcement agency shall, at least annually, collect and report local data on use-of-force incidents involving peace officers to the National Use of Force Data Collection through the Law Enforcement Enterprise Portal administered by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Use-of-force incidents shall include fatalities and serious physical injuries that are connected to the use of force by an officer. Additionally, each law enforcement agency shall submit such information to the Department of Public Safety. The Department of Public Safety shall publish the data reported at least annually and make it publicly available starting March 1, 2023. Finally, the Department of Public Safety shall analyze trends and disparities in rates of use of force by all law enforcement agencies and release a report to the public no later than June 30, 2025, and update it at least every five years.
SB 262 — TRANSPORTATION This bill modifies provisions relating to transportation.
TRANSPORTATION FUNDING This bill enacts an additional tax on motor fuel, beginning with 2.5 cents in October 2021, and increasing by 2.5 cents in each fiscal year until reaching an additional 12.5 cents per gallon on July 1, 2025 (Section 142.803.3 RSMo).
ODOMETER READINGS The bill increases, from 10 years to 20 years, the maximum age of a motor vehicle required to have its odometer readings recorded in certain circumstances (Sections 301.192.1(6) and 301.280.1 RSMo). The bill specifies that the Department of Revenue may allow electronic signatures on written powers of attorney authorizing mileage disclosures and transfers of ownership (Section 407.536.8 RSMo).
COMMERCIAL DRIVING LICENSE BANS FOR HUMAN TRAFFICKING CONVICTIONS
The bill enacts a lifetime ban from driving a commercial motor vehicle for any person convicted of using a commercial motor vehicle in the commission of a felony involving "severe forms of human trafficking in persons,” as defined by federal law (Section 302.755.19 RSMo).
HB 557 — PROTECTION OF CHILDREN
This bill adds a process by which an "exempt-from-licensure residential care facility,” is required to notify the Department of Social Services of their existence and comply with provisions that protect the safety of the children in residence. The provisions include fire and safety inspections, local health department inspections, background checks, medical records for all residents, and information about schools serving the children. This bill creates a process for DSS to provide background checks for licensed residential care facilities or child placing agencies and for residential care facilities subject to the notification requirements of Sections 210.1250 to 210.1286 RSMo. When there are allegations of abuse or neglect in the residential facility, the bill outlines how DSS can petition a court for an order for a home to present a child that is the subject of a child abuse investigation. The bill includes an emergency clause for immediate implementation to protect children.
SB 49 — WATERCRAFT
This bill modifies provisions relating to watercraft and prohibits vessels positioned within 100 feet of a permitted boat dock from being anchored in a manner that obstructs ingress or egress of watercraft to or from the dock, unless authorized by the boat dock permit holder.
The bill also provides that no person shall secure a vessel to or enter upon a private permitted boat dock unless authorized to do so by the boat dock permit holder, or as specified in the bill. A violation of these provisions shall be an infraction. Operating or positioning a vessel in a manner that obstructs or impedes the normal flow of traffic on the waters of this state will be an infraction for a first offense or a class B misdemeanor for a second or subsequent offense (Section 306.221 RSMo).
SB 57 — PROVISIONS RELATING TO FUNDING TO CERTAIN ORGANIZATIONS TO DETER CRIMINAL BEHAVIOR
This bill establishes the "Critical Incident Stress Management Program" within the Department of Public Safety. This program provides services for peace officers to assist them in coping with stress and potential psychological trauma resulting from a response to a critical incident or emotionally difficult event. Additionally, the bill creates the "988 Public Safety Fund" within the State Treasury, which shall be used to provide consultation, risk assessment, education, intervention, and other crisis intervention services to peace officers who have responded to a critical incident or emotionally difficult event. This act also provides that all peace officers shall be required to meet with a program service provider once every three to five years for a mental health check-in.
08/06/2021 – 08/12/2021
We continue to see an increase in scams. Lately, we have dealt with family emergency scams where they call and try to scare people into sending money to help a loved one in trouble. The scam can play out in many ways, but the game is still the same: The caller lies, tries to scare you, and rushes you to pay so you, don’t have time to think twice or check things out before you send money. If you send the money, chances are you will never get it back.
Over the last 5 years we have taken reports from citizens who have lost a large portion of their life saving to phone scams. According to the F.B.I.’s
· On August 6, 2021, Deputies received a report of a C&I driver near the 175mm East Interstate 70. Deputies made contact with the vehicle and further investigation led the arrest of a female subject for two
· On August 7, 2021, Deputies responded to a domestic disturbance in the
· On August 7, 2021, Deputies responded to a single vehicle accident, involving a motorcycle, near the 181mm West Interstate 70. Witnesses stated that the motorcycle started fish tailing, went down onto the pavement, and began to flip, at which time the driver was thrown from the motorcycle. The driver sustained serious injuries and was pronounced deceased on scene.
· On August 12, 2021, during the course of a follow-up investigation in the
Calls for the Week:
· Suspicious Activity – Jonesburg
· Public Service Request – Wellsville
· Pedestrian Check – Jonesburg
· Stealing –
· Animal Complaint – Jonesburg
· Traffic Hazard – New
· Found Property –
· Child Custody Dispute – High Hill
· Assist MCAD Medical – New
· Domestic –
· Motor Vehicle Accident –
· C & I – I 70 EB 159 mm
· Disturbance – Wellsville
· Animal Complaint –
· Suspicious Vehicle –
· Motorist Assist - I 70 WB 171 mm
· Disturbance – McKittrick
· Suicidal Subject – High Hill
· Traffic Hazard – New
· Assist Other Agency – Gamma
· Domestic –
· Alarm –
· Assault –
· Civil Matter –
· Motor Vehicle Accident – Hermann
· Public Service Request –
· Assist MSHP Motor Vehicle Accident – I 70
· Animal Complaint –
· 911 Accidental – New
· Suspicious Vehicle – Jonesburg
· 911 Accidental – Jonesburg
· Juvenile Complaint – Jonesburg
· Citizen Assist – Jonesburg
· Unwanted Subject –
· 911 Accidental – New
· Unwanted Subject – New
· 911 Accidental – Jonesburg
· Suspicious Person –
· Alarm –
· Suspicious Activity – Wellsville
· Pedestrian Check –
· 911 Accidental – Jonesburg
· Disturbance – Jonesburg
· Suspicious Activity – Jonesburg
· Motorist Assist – I 70 WB 181 mm
· Motorist Assist –
· C & I – I 70 EB 172 mm
· Assist MSHP Motor Vehicle Accident – I 70 EB 165 mm
· Vehicle Fire – I 70 WB 186-188 mm
· 911 Accidental – Jonesburg
· Disturbance – McKittrick
· Suspicious Vehicle – Wellsville
· Domestic – New
· Suspicious Person –
· Assault – McKittrick
· Public Service Request –
· Assist Other Agency Fraud –
· Assist Other Agency 911 Accidental –
· Investigation – Jonesburg
· 911 Open Line – New
· Suicidal Subject –
· Assault – High Hill
· Civil matter – Jonesburg
· Rape/Sexual Assault –
· Assist Other Agency –
· Check Well Being – I 70 EB 178 mm
· Traffic Hazard –
· Fraud –
· Stealing – Hermann
· Public Service Request –
· 911 Accidental – I 70
· 911 Accidental – I 70
· Check Well Being – High Hill
· Suspicious Activity –
· Child Custody Dispute –
· Suspicious Activity –
· Unwanted Subject – Wellsville
· Disturbance – High Hill
· Domestic – New
· Stealing – Wellsville
· Stealing –
· 911 Accidental – Jonesburg
· Disturbance – I 70 WB 168 mm
· 911 Accidental – I 70 WB 168 mm
· Suspicious Activity –
· Assist Other Agency –
· Traffic Hazard – I 70 WB 173 mm
· Suspicious Activity –
· Suspicious Person – New
· Traffic Hazard –
· Traffic Hazard –
· 911 Open Line –
· 911 Accidental –
· Suspicious Activity –
· Child Custody Dispute - High Hill
· Probation Violation – New
· 96 Hour Evaluation - High Hill
· Dog Bite -
· Death Investigation - High Hill
· Unwanted Subject -
· Warrant Arrest -
· Assault - 3rd Degree - McKittrick
· Domestic Incident - High Hill
· Civil Matter - Jonesburg
· Assist Other Agency - McKittrick
· Attempted Phone Scam -
· Unwanted Subjects -
· Stealing -
· Warrant Arrest -
August 18, 2021
The Columbia Police Department served a search warrant at a residence in the 4400 block of
OSTARA TO EXPAND
Ostara St. Louis, Ltd. announced Tuesday it will invest $25 million in
Ostara is headquartered in
Ostara currently operates a facility in
August 17, 2021
The patrol said a
$2 TUESDAY AT
You can help make an impact through supporting the Missouri Farmers Care Food Drive underway today at the Missouri State Fair. Admission is just $2 with a minimum donation of 2 cans of food or a $2 donation. In addition to $2 admission, you are encouraged to be on the lookout for $2 carnival rides (most rides) and $2 specials at select concessions and vendors all day! In addition, Missouri
MISSOURI TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION WILL PARTNER WITH TECONOMY TO ADVANCE ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND INNOVATION STATEWIDE
The Missouri Technology Corporation (MTC) announced last week it will partner with TEConomy Partners, LLC, to conduct a statewide, data-driven initiative to support entrepreneurship and innovation. The initiative was first announced by MTC earlier this year and aims to drive economic growth through the next decade.
TEConomy is a global leader in research, analysis, and strategy for innovation-based economic development, and was selected through a public RFP process for their comprehensive knowledge of entrepreneurial ecosystems. The company has worked extensively with other states to develop strategic action plans that boost economic development. MTC will leverage TEConomy’s expertise to create an updated and data-driven plan that advances entrepreneurship and accelerates growth in
MTC’s strategic initiative will be guided by a steering committee of approximately 15 thought leaders representing
MTC plans to bring together diverse voices across
August 16, 2021
The patrol reports a trooper with assistance by the Callaway County Sheriff’s Department and Callaway County Fire Department investigated a UTV accident that occurred at 12:30 AM on Saturday morning. According to the report 21 year old Cody Watson of
Troopers say 57 year old Carl Wolfe of
ATV CRASH ON PRIVATE PROPERTY RESULTS IN INJURIES
Troopers report 63 year old Larry Jones of Thompson was operating an ATV on private property at
THREE VEHICLES AND THREE DRIVERS FROM NEW
The patrol said 64 year old Richard Thompson failed to yield at Route Y at Callaway County Road 363 Friday afternoon shortly after 3:30 pm and entered the intersection when his auto was struck by another auto driven by 26 year old Nathan Goans of New Bloomfield who’s auto was then struck by another vehicle driven by a 16 year old male Juvenile of New Bloomfield. The juvenile had minor injuries and was transported to St. Mary’s Hospital by Callaway County Ambulance personnel.
Weekend Report- August 14-15, 2021
ROADWORK SCHEDULED FOR ROUTES IN
Weather permitting, MoDOT crews will be performing pavement work on routes in
Montgomery County Route F – August 16-19, the road will be reduced to one lane one-half mile before and after the bridge over Bear Creek between 7:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. with a width restriction of 11 feet in place while work is being completed.
Motorists will need to use caution when traveling through the work zone or use alternate routes.
On Friday Governor Mike Parson requested that the Federal Emergency Management Agency approve a major disaster declaration for
Governor Parson is requesting Public Assistance for 21
The joint preliminary damage assessments, conducted by the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and local officials began on July 8, and estimated a total of $10 million in damage to public infrastructure and emergency response costs eligible for federal assistance.
On July 6, Governor Parson announced
August 12, 2021
CONSTRUCTION TO BEGIN IN NEXT FEW WEEKS
DEPARTMENT AWARDS $17.7 MILLION THROUGH NAP AND YOP SPECIAL CYCLE
The Department of Economic Development announced Tuesday that it will award $17.7 million in 50% and 70% tax credits through its Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP) and Youth Opportunities Program (YOP) Special Cycle to 104 nonprofits across
The NAP and YOP Special Cycle was created to assist nonprofits and other entities providing services to at-risk populations, prioritizing those serving opportunity youth. COVID-19 has had a massive impact on mental health for all citizens, including children. Anxiety, stress, and other negative conditions have been on the rise, and these organizations provide resources and services that help children deal with these issues.
Up to $8 million of NAP tax credits and $6 million of YOP tax credits were reserved for nonprofit organizations and other entities providing critical services to at-risk youth. Additional NAP and YOP credits were made available for nonprofits addressing other pressing community needs with priority for job training programs and services directly resulting in crime prevention.
August 11, 2021
SWAT CALLED TO ASSIST WITH BARRICADED SUBJECT IN DOMESTIC ASSAULT INVESTIGATION
On Tuesday at approximately 12:20 a.m., Columbia Police were dispatched to a domestic assault at a residence in the 10 block of Bright Star Dr. Officers made contact with the victim and observed several injuries. The victim reported the suspect had assaulted her while holding her against her will. Officers were able to determine that the suspect was inside the residence and attempted to contact him by phone and the patrol vehicle’s PA system, but were unsuccessful. Due to the nature of the incident, the Department’s SWAT Team and Crisis Negotiations Team (CNT) were requested. The SWAT team established a perimeter while a CNT negotiator made contact with Stockton-Kenney. After a period of negotiations, he surrendered without further incident. Columbia Police arrested Drake Adam Stockton-Kenney, 29, of
DIVERS RECOVERED DROWNING VICTIM’S BODY AT THOUNSAD HILLS STATE PARK – IDENTITY RELEASED
Divers have recovered the body of the man who drowned at
August 10, 2021
HEAT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM THURSDAY
The National Weather Service says dangerous heat and humidity will continue Tuesday along with the possibility of strong thunderstorms. Heat index values in excess of 100 to 110 are expected over multiple days. Overnight low temperatures will reside in the mid to upper 70s each morning and climb into the 90’s during the afternoon. A Heat Advisory remains in effect for all counties in our listening area through 8 pm Thursday while an excessive heat warning is in effect for the
NEW MASK ORDINANCE IN
Columbia City Council members were split 3 yes and 3 no with one council member absent and a unanimous vote was needed to pass a proposed mask ordinance during a special meeting Monday night. Protestors against the mandate gathered in front of city hall and when allowed to enter the council chambers every seat was full with many others standing around the back of the room. Instead of a mandate, the Columbia/Boone County Health Director said she believed time was better spent working on education outreach and vaccinations. The proposed mask ordinance which was voted on and failed Monday night has been the topic of many during this past week.
At approximately 1:19 a.m. on Monday Columbia Police responded to a report of an assault in the 300 block of
August 9, 2021
HEAT BUILDS INTO THE AREA ONCE AGAIN
The national Weather Service says hot and humid conditions are expected again this week along with the possibility of showers and thunderstorms. On Monday and Tuesday high temperatures are forecast to be in the low to mid 90s with heat indices between 100-110 degrees and the chance for Showers and Thunderstorms across the region. A heat advisory is in effect for Monday across most of the area. The heat and humidity will provide uncomfortable heat index readings of 100 to 110 degrees through Thursday with a chance of showers and thunderstorms through Saturday.
FATAL
A motorcycle tire malfunction was to blame for the driver to lose control while traveling westbound on I70 at the 181.2 mile marker in
The Columbia City Council is scheduled to hold a special meeting tonight (Monday, Aug. 9) at 7 p.m. to discuss a mask mandate. The meeting will be held in the Council Chambers in City Hall, 701 E. Broadway in downtown
MISSOURI GOVERNOR ANNOUNCED STATE IS TRIPLING THE NUMBER OF MUTUAL AID AMBULANCES IN REDUCING COVID-19 CASELOAD STRAIN
On Friday morning, Missouri Gov. Mike Parson announced that the state is tripling the number of mutual aid ambulances that provide long-haul patient transfers to help reduce the rising COVID-19 caseloads straining hospitals. Thirty ambulances and more than 60 trained personnel are scheduled to begin arriving in five regions of the state. The new ambulance strike teams, provided in response to a request to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, include 20 advanced life-support ambulances, five basic life-support ambulances, five specialty care ambulances, and required medical and support personnel. They are expected to begin transporting patients as early as Saturday. The teams are tasked with operating anywhere there is a critical need in
Weekend Report- August 7-8, 2021
ROADWORK PLANNED TO TEMPORARILY
Weather permitting, Aug. 9-12, MoDOT crews will be performing roadwork on Route E in
The highway patrol reports an
August 5, 2021
More than 200,000 visitors are expected to roll into
The
August 4, 2021
On Tuesday at approximately 11:21 am, Joint Communications advised Audrain County Deputies were in pursuit of a motorcycle and they were about to enter Montgomery County. The Montgomery County Sheriff's Office responded to assist. The pursuit went through Wellsville and then throughout several County Roads, between Hwy. 19 and
At approximately 3:40 a.m. on August 2, Columbia Police were dispatched to a report of a commercial burglary at River Region Credit Union,
BACK TO SCHOOL SALES TAX
By state law, the sales tax holiday begins on the first Friday in August and continues through the following Sunday. Certain back-to-school purchases, such as clothing, school supplies, computers, and other items as defined by the statute, are exempt from sales tax for this time period only. This year, the Sales Tax Holiday begins at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, August 6, and runs through Sunday, August 8, however cities, counties, and other districts have the option to not participate. A complete list of those who have elected not to participate in the Sales Tax Holiday can be found on the Department of Revenue’s website at dor.mo.gov
August 3, 2021
EXTENSIVE SEARCH FOR SUSPECT TURNS UP EMPTY IN
Gasconade County Sheriff’s Deputies, Phelps County Sheriff’s Office, Maries County Sheriff’s, Crawford County Sheriff’s Office and the Missouri State Highway Patrol conducted an extensive search for a male subject, Grant L. Gaither. The Phelps County Sheriff’s Office initiated a pursuit with Grant. Grant traveled into
If you have any information please contact Gasconade County E911 at 573-437-7770 or 911.
KITCHEN FIRE EXTENGISHED IN
On Saturday, July 31 at approximately 11:16 PM, the Mexico Public Safety Department responded to
|
|
|
Drivers crossing the |
August 2, 2021
HERMANN RESIDENTS INJURED IN ATV ACCIDENT
The Highway Patrol reports two Hermann residents were seriously injured in an ATV accident Sunday afternoon in
DISTURBANCE IN COLUMBIA MALL PARKING LOT RESULTS IN ONE MAN BEING ARRESTED
Around 7 a.m. on Sunday Columbia Police were dispatched to the parking lot of the Columbia Mall for a disturbance of an adult male assaulting an adult female in the parking lot.
Through further investigation, officers learned the male suspect attempted to run over the victim with a vehicle. The suspect continued assaulting the victim by grabbing her by the hair and dragging her into the car described as a silver SUV last seen traveling north on Stadium north of I-70. Shortly after 2 p.m., officers responded to the 2000 block of
Further investigation revealed 34-year old Joseph Jones of
He is being held at the Boone County Jail.
FRIDAY MORNING HOMICIDE IN
An arrest warrant has been issued for the murder suspect in an Ashland Homicide Friday morning and is also wanted in
Weekend Report- July 31-August 1, 2021
ROADWORK PLANNED TO TEMPORARILY
Weather permitting, Aug 2-5 & 9-12, MoDOT crews will be performing roadwork on Route E in
Motorists will need to use alternate routes during these times.
ALL ROADS LEAD TO THE PRESENT IN BICENTENNIAL EDITION MAP
The Bicentennial Edition of the Official Missouri Highway Map celebrates 200 years of travel in the Show-Me State. You can pick up your free copy August 12- 22 at the
July 27, 2021
TEMPORARY CLOSURES PLANNED FOR ROUTES IN
Weather permitting, MoDOT crews will be doing pavement work on routes in
Motorists will need to use alternate routes during these times.
CONSOLIDATED MACHINE AND WELDING EXPANDS IN
Consolidated Machine and Welding announces it will expand its facility in
Consolidated Machine and Welding is a full service metal fabrication shop that provides state-of-the-art laser technology for customized products. The company’s expansion includes the purchase of a vacant building in
For their expansion, Consolidated Machine and Welding used the Missouri Works program, an incentive tool to help companies expand and retain workers by providing access to capital through withholdings or tax credits for job creation.
July 26, 2021
HOT WEATHER CONDITIONS TO CONTINUE
The National Weather Service says the hot weather pattern will remain with us through most of this week. Heat indices are expected to rise to 95-100 degrees this afternoon and into the 95-105 degree category Tuesday through Friday in most of our areas. . Non-severe thunderstorms are also possible today south of I-70 for the most part. A slightly better chance of showers and thunderstorms is in the forecast beginning Wednesday and continuing through Friday for most all of us.
MOTORCYCLE CRASH IN
A
At approximately 8:06 p.m. on Saturday night, Columbia Police responded to a report of shots fired in the 3300 block of
COVID-19 STATEWIDE NUMBERS
Statewide,
Weekend Report- July 24-25, 2021
NEW
Motorists now have the opportunity to drive across the new bridge on Route P at Dry Fork Creek, located 0.7 mile south of Route K near
This bridge is included in Gov. Mike Parson’s $351 million Focus on Bridges program, which will repair or replace 250 bridges across the state.
TEMPORARILY CLOSURE PLANNED
Weather permitting, July 26-27, MoDOT crews will be performing roadwork on Route FF in
July 22, 2021
KMIZ TV in
DELI STAR ESTABLISHES NEW
Deli Star Corporation, a family-owned manufacturer of prepared meal proteins and deli solutions, announced Tuesday that it will locate its new headquarters in
Construction is set to begin on the facility this summer, and Deli Star plans to begin production at the facility in early 2022. The 110,000 sq. ft. facility will produce Deli Star’s world-class proteins, including sous-vide proteins, slow cooked meats, deli logs, protein salads, sauces, and plant-based proteins.
Headquartered for 34 years in
Because its new location in
The new facility is located just a few miles east of the company’s new Food Discovery Center, a unique food research and development hub. The close proximity of the two facilities will drive innovation and collaboration with local companies and organizations, including a new job training program with St. Louis Public Schools.
For its relocation, Deli Star used the Missouri Works program, an incentive tool to help companies expand and retain workers by providing access to capital through withholdings or tax credits for job creation. Deli Star is also receiving assistance from Missouri One Start, a division of the Department of Economic Development. Missouri One Start assists eligible businesses of all sizes with their recruitment and training needs.
The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office posted on social media recently the following investigations, arrests, calls and more for the period 07/09/2021 – 07/15/2021 …
On July 10, 2021, Deputies stopped a vehicle in the Big Springs area. The driver was arrested for driving with a suspended driver’s license.
On July 13, 2021, Deputies stopped a vehicle north of
On July 14, 2021, Deputies responded to High Hill for a report of a stolen vehicle. The owner walked out of their residence, that morning, and discovered their Gray 2018 Ford Explorer stolen. If you have any information, whether it being a suspicious person or activity, please contact dispatch at 573-564-3378 and request a deputy. This investigation is on-going.
On July 14, 2021, Deputies responded to
On July 14, 2021, Deputies responded to
In July 15, 2021, Deputies responded to the Wellsville area for a report of a person acting suspicious. The subject acting suspicious drove to a residence at the end of a dead end road. The subject appeared lost and couldn’t give any true reason of driving to this area from outside
Calls for the Week:
Suspicious Person – McKittrick
Suspicious Person – Montgomery City
Civil Stand-by – Bellflower
Citizen Assist – New Florence
Public Service Request – Jonesburg
Child Abuse/Neglect - Montgomery City
Burglary – High Hill
C & I – I 70
Motorist Assist – High Hill
911 Accidental - Jonesburg
911 Accidental - Jonesburg
Trespassing – Danville
Alarm – High Hill
Fraud – Jonesburg
Check Well Being – Jonesburg
C & I – New Florence
C & I – Hermann
Animal Complaint – Hermann
Suspicious Vehicle – Jonesburg
911 Open Line – Truxton
Suspicious Vehicle – Montgomery City
Suspicious Person – New Florence
911 Accidental - Truxton
Traffic Hazard – Montgomery City
911 Open Line – Montgomery City
Traffic Hazard – Montgomery City
Motor Vehicle Accident – New Florence
911 Accidental – I 70
911 Accidental – High Hill
911 Accidental – I 70
C & I – I 70
Disturbance – New Florence
Unwanted Subject – New Florence
911 Open Line – Jonesburg
911 Accidental - Truxton
911 Accidental - Truxton
Motorist Assist – New Florence
Assist Other Agency – I 70
Vehicle Fire – I 70 WB
Motor Vehicle Accident – I 70 EB 175 mm
Motorist Assist – I 70 WB 177 mm
Disturbance – Montgomery City
Traffic Hazard – Rhineland
Assist MSHP Motor Vehicle Accident – I 70 WB 186 mm
Fraud – Danville
Assist MSHP Motor Vehicle Accident – I 70 182 mm
Assist MSHP Motor Vehicle Accident – I 70
Motorist Assist – I 70
Assist Other Agency – I 70
Motorist Assist - I 70
Citizen Assist – Jonesburg
Arrest – New Florence
Motorist Assist – I 70
Suspicious Person – Wellsville
Check Well Being – Jonesburg
Leave Without Pay – New Florence
Stolen Vehicle – High Hill
911 Accidental – Unknown
C & I – High hill
Check Well Being – Montgomery City
Suspicious Activity – Jonesburg
Disturbance – Rhineland
911 Accidental – Jonesburg
Motor Vehicle Accident – I 70 EB 172 mm
Suspicious Vehicle – High Hill
Assist Other Agency – I 70 EB 150 mm
Unwanted Subject – Wellsville
Pedestrian Check – Montgomery City
Motorist Assist – High Hill
Abandoned Vehicle – Montgomery City
Suspicious Vehicle – New Florence
Traffic Hazard – Montgomery City
Animal Abuse/Neglect – Danville
Abandoned Vehicle – Wellsville
Citizen Assist – New Florence
Suspicious Vehicle - Jonesburg
Damage to County Vehicle - New Florence
Driving While Revoked - Big Spring
Forgery - Montgomery City
Warrant Arrest - Montgomery City
Stealing - Motor Vehicle - High Hill
Assist Warren County - Montgomery County
Mental Health Issues - Wellsville
Drug Investigation - Montgomery City
July 21, 2021
NARCOTICS SEARCH WARRANT EXECUTED IN JONESBURG
Monday night, July 19th, 2021 the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, Jonesburg Police Department and the East Central Drug Task Force executed a narcotics search warrant in the 200 block of
LANDOWNERS & TENANTS INVITED TO RESPOND TO
Landowners lease roughly 35% of
25 AREA YOUTH LEADERS SELECTED AS
State 4-H Council has selected 25 youths ages 14-18 to serve as the first class of
These youth leaders will be tasked with promoting 4-H programs throughout the state, said Samantha Brandeberry,
Up to four youths were selected from each of
“We’re excited to provide a new leadership opportunity for our teens,” said Brandeberry. “We anticipate that the adoption of this program will help strengthen youth leadership skills and confidence to prepare them for elevated leadership levels on the State 4-H Council, at college and in their future careers.”
This year’s
July 20, 2021
Today (Tuesday) marks the start of the 2021 Boone County Fair and this year the fair returns to the fairgrounds in
ROOTS & BLUES RETURNS THIS SEPTEMBER
Another popular event that is on this year’s schedule is the Roots and Blues Festival in
DOMESTIC ASSAULT ARREST AND GUN SHOTS IN
On Friday, at 9:21 pm, a Mexico Public Safety officer heard gunshots in the area of the 1300 block of
No one was injured from the gunshots.
July 19, 2021
CAR CRASH BELIEVED TO BE CAUSE OF
Columbia Police say a car crash on
Troopers say 20 year old Nolan Pennewell of
SERVICE-ORIENTED INDIVIDUALS WANTED TO JOIN WINTER MAINTENANCE TEAM AT MODOT
Are you looking for a job with excellent benefits where you can make a difference in the lives of your fellow Missourians? The Missouri Department of Transportation is looking for you.
Right now, there are full-time maintenance positions open across the state. Salaries start at $14.75 an hour, depending on level of experience and area of operation.
Full-time maintenance employees receive training and a long list of benefits including paid leave, medical, vision and dental insurance and a retirement plan; and a culturally diverse workplace that is dedicated to safety and personal development. Applicants need to be at least 18 years old and successfully complete a criminal background check (a misdemeanor or felony conviction is not an automatic restriction to employment). If you don’t already have a commercial driver’s license (CDL), MoDOT will provide training to help you obtain one.
Maintenance employment with MoDOT continues into the spring as the season turns to mowing. There are opportunities for advancement and a long-term career. Opportunities for year-round employment include mowing, striping and other maintenance functions.
To learn more about this opportunity and to apply online for positions across the state, go to www.modot.org/opportunities-maintenance.
Weekend Report- July 17-18, 2021
TROY MAN KILLED IN
A Troy man was killed in an accident that occurred at 9pm Friday in
PEDESTERIAN SERIOUSLY INJURED AFTER BEING STRUCK BY A CAR
A pedestrian was seriously injured after being struck by a car Friday night in
DRIVER SERIOUSLY HURT IN EARLY SUNDAY MORNING WRECK
A driver was seriously hurt in a one-vehicle wreck early Sunday morning in
July 16, 2021
TEMPORARY CLOSURES PLANNED FOR ROUTES IN
Weather permitting, MoDOT crews will be doing pavement work on routes in
Motorists will need to use alternate routes during these times.
SHOOTING NEAR BAGNELL STRIP NEAR CASABLANCA BAR LEAVES ONE DEAD-FOUR INJURED
One person is dead and four injured after a shooting near a bar at the Bagnell Dam Strip at
Columbia Police have arrested Channing Tyler Williams, 27, of
July 15, 2021
SHOW ME STATE GAMES KICKS OFF THIS WEEKEND
The 37th Annual Show-Me State Games continues its summer schedule of events this weekend. Featuring more than 40 sporting competitions and special events, the Show-Me State Games is for Missourians of all ages and skill levels. The Opening Ceremony will begin at 7 p.m. on Friday, July 16, at Mizzou Arena in
SHERIFF'S REPORT 06/30/2021 - 07/08/2021
July 14, 2021
GAS TAX TO INCREASE IN
A Female juvenile, 14, from
Columbia Police have seen an increase in telephone scams where the caller identifies as a police officer or other law enforcement official. The caller may indicate that you have a warrant for your arrest and request that you meet at a predetermined location with cash, or else be subject to arrest. "The Columbia Police Department will never ask any person to meet us at a predetermined location and request money," said Assistant Chief John Gordon. Scammers are able to "spoof" official phone numbers, which means that the receiver believes that it is a valid call. If you receive a call like this; hang up and contact your local law enforcement agency. If you live in the Columbia/Boone County area, you can call the non-emergency number 3-1-1 to report the incident.
July 13, 2021
On Saturday, July 10 at approximately 11:21 PM the Mexico Public Safety Department responded to the 1200 block of N Olive in reference to an altercation involving a gun. Investigation indicated that visitors to a residence in the block got into an argument with some people at a neighboring home. As the visitors drove from the area, one of them fired a gun several times, striking a parked car. There were no injuries from the incident. Anyone with information about this or any other crime is asked to contact CRIMESTOPPERS at (800) 392-TIPS or (800) 392-8477 or Mexico Public Safety at (573) 473-5800 or (573) 581-2100.
At approximately 9:57 p.m. on Sunday Columbia Police responded to several reports of shots fired in the 4300 block
20 year old Robert Shirley of
July 12, 2021
MULTIPLE POWER OUTAGES, STORM DAMAGE & FLOODED ROADS
Weekend storms that started Friday night resulted in multiple power outages, storm damage reports and flooded roadways. The National Weather Service reported that 90 mile-per-hour straight-line winds swept through the Ralls County community of Perry leaving the town without power and cluttering the streets and yards with torn-down trees. Several businesses in the downtown district suffered structural damage, including blown-off roofing, windows and walls. Damage was also reported at
17 YEAR OLDS NOW TREATED AS JUVENILES, NOT ADULTS
…
17-year-olds in
Weekend Report- July 10-11, 2021
ROAD AND BRIDGE WORK WILL TEMPORARILY IMPACT ROUTES IN
Weather permitting, MoDOT crews will be doing bridge and pavement work on routes in
For the closures, motorists will need to use alternate routes during these times.
DIVISION OF FIRE SAFETY APPROVES REOPENING OF BRANSON COASTER AMUSEMENT RIDE
The Amusement Ride Safety Unit of the Division of Fire Safety has approved the reopening of the Branson Coaster amusement ride in Branson. Following a final inspection on Friday July 9, the Amusement Ride Safety Unit determined the ride is safe for public use. The determination comes following several previous inspections by the safety unit, operational testing, examination and evaluation of critical components, reviews of operating procedures and interviews with ride operator staff and witnesses.
The ride, located at
July 8, 2021
A
ESTATE OF FORMER TEACHER GIFTING ONE MILLION DOLLARS TO CPS’S
The Columbia Public Schools Foundation announced the largest gift in its 25-year history. The foundation is receiving a one million dollar gift from the estate of former CPS teacher Kathryn "Kay" McLeod. The foundation says the money will allow the foundation to double its efforts in providing grants for teachers and students in the district. The foundation says it also plans to use the money for scholarships.
MSHP REPORTS SEVEN TRAFFIC FATALITIES, ONE BOATING FATALITY & NO DROWNINGS OVER JULY FOURTH HOLIDAY COUNTING PERIOD
The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports the following 2021 July Fourth holiday statistics:
Troopers worked 312 traffic crashes, which included 124 injuries and all seven fatalities. Troopers also made 144 DWI arrests and 81 drug arrests over the holiday weekend.
Troopers worked 12 boating crashes, which included four injuries and one fatality. Troopers made eight BWI arrests and 43 drug arrests. There were no drownings over the holiday weekend.
The 2021 July Fourth holiday counting period began at 6 p.m., Friday, July 2, and ended at 11:59 p.m., Monday, July 5.
July 7, 2021
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING PROMPTS DAMAGE ASSESSMENTS ACROSS
Missouri Gov. Mike Parson announced that
$1.6 MILLION SOUGHT AFTER PONZI SCHEME DEFRAUDS
Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft’s Securities Division ordered a Nevada-based company and two executives to pay $1.6 million after defrauding seven
Golden Genesis, Inc., along with the company’s founder and CEO Thomas F. Casey, and its co-owner and de facto chief financial officer, Dennis R. Di Ricco, were found to have defrauded investors, many of them retired senior citizens, by selling unregistered, non-exempt, promissory notes. They were found to have utilized an unregistered Las Vegas-based broker-dealer, Retire Happy, LLC, to sell more than $9 million of the notes.
Investors were promised high returns and were given sales materials containing false and misleading information. New investment monies were used to pay prior investors their purported returns. Additionally, Di Ricco, with the knowledge and approval of Casey, used funds to purchase stock in an unrelated company, Adomani, Inc., that had once been controlled by Di Ricco. Despite the promises of high returns, Casey ceased paying investors interest and returned only a portion of their original investment.
Missouri Securities Commissioner David M. Minnick ordered Golden Genesis, Casey and Di Ricco to pay more than $1.1 million in civil penalties, over $400,000 in restitution, interest and approximately $32,000 for the yearlong investigation.
Ashcroft continues to urge
July 6, 2021
KRCG TV reported a
The Police Department News Release said officers tried to stop a vehicle for a traffic violation, but it began to flee. As the driver, 48-year-old Joseph Wilhite, fled police, he swerved at an oncoming police car, attempting to hit it. Wilhite stopped in the 200 block of
CALLAWAY
A
FAYETTE MAN ARRESTED ON HOWARD
The highway patrol reports the arrest of a Fayette man at 12:53 pm Monday. According to the on line arrest report Timothy Lancaster, 29, of Fayette was arrested on Howard County Felony warrants for unlawful use of a weapon and 2 – 3rd degree domestic assaults.
July 5, 2021
MODOT CONSTRUCTION SUSPENDED DURING JULY 4
MoDOT will suspend road construction and routine maintenance operations starting at noon on Friday, July 2 through 6 a.m. on Tuesday, July 6 to accommodate increased holiday traffic on the roadways.
With more people expected on
Motorists can find everything they need to plan for their holiday and summer travel with MoDOT's Traveler Information Map. This online tool shares the latest news on work zones, road conditions and traffic incidents. The map is available at www.traveler.modot.org/map.
Remember, road conditions can change in an instant. Always be alert when driving, and remember to always buckle up and put the cellphone down.
DESIGN-BUILD CONTRACTOR TEAM ANNOUNCED I-70 BRIDGE AT ROCHEPORT
At the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission meeting Thursday afternoon, MoDOT revealed that the Lunda Team has been selected as the design-build contractor team for the new I-70 bridge over the
July 1, 2021
ROAD CLOSURES DUE TO FLOODING
The following roads have closed due to flooding:
Columbia Police have arrested Darell Lamont Rogers, 35, of
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to please contact the Columbia Police Department at 573.874.7652 or CrimeStoppers at 573.875.TIPS (8477) to remain anonymous.
The Residence Inn at
June 30, 2021
ROAD CLOSURES DUE TO FLOODING
The following roads have closed due to flooding:
The following roads have reopened after being closed due to flooding:
The City of
CONVICTED MURDERER IN CUSTODY AFTER FLEEING AUTHORITIES ON SATURDAY
The Callaway County Sheriff’s department reports Stephen Thorp is now in custody. Authorities had been looking for the man since he eluded
June 28, 2021
NOW OPEN: ROADS IN
While several roads remain closed due to flooding over the weekend, there are a few that have reopened. Please refer to the online traveler map at www.modot.org for updates.
MONTGOMERY
A post on the Montgomery Fire Protection Facebook page just before 6 AM Saturday morning indicated that Montgomery Firefighters responded late in the night Friday to a report of a structure fire on
FLOODED ROADS AND WATER RESCUES
The Columbia Fire Department had a busy day Friday responding to flooded roadways and rescuing people from their vehicles. The department said it responded to five water rescues in a span of 90 minutes. The department posted photos from two of the rescues to its Facebook page. Flash flooding across the area lead to several vehicles that were submerged and abandoned Friday morning. Crews spent much of Friday morning and the weekend clearing roadways and setting up blockades to prevent drivers from passing through flooded roads.
Weekend Report- June 26-27, 2021
MISSOURI JUDGE FINDS MEDICAID EXPANSION UNCONSTITUTIONAL
A
Last week Cole County Circuit Court Judge Jon Beetem said the amendment unconstitutionally sought to force lawmakers to set aside money for the expansion.
Under the Constitution, lawmakers can't be forced to make appropriations unless the ballot measure includes a funding mechanism.
Voters passed the constitutional amendment last year.
Republican Gov. Mike Parson refused to implement it because lawmakers didn't set aside any money for it.
Three low-income women sued to try to force the state to enact the program.
They're appealing the ruling.
Republican Gov. Mike Parson called lawmakers back to
The tax draws down a significant amount of federal Medicaid funding.
The tax wasn't renewed during the regular session because of a fight over Medicaid coverage for Planned Parenthood and some family planning services.
Parson says lawmakers have until July 1 to reup the tax.
Otherwise he says he'll cut $722 million from the state budget to make up for it.
June 24, 2021
GAS LEAK CAUSES FIRE IN
The Columbia Fire Department was dispatched to a gas leak outside at
The first unit arrived on the scene less than five minutes later and reported a fire in the yard that had melted siding on the house. Further investigation revealed that an underground gas line had been hit and was fueling the fire. The officer in command upgraded the call and requested additional personnel and equipment. Ameren UE was also notified.
Fire crews used a preconnected hose line to cool the siding and prevent additional damage while Ameren UE worked on the line and shut the gas off, extinguishing the fire.
Two male subjects stated they were using an auger and struck the gas line which then ignited. Both received burns to their face and arms. One was transported to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries, the other refused medical attention. No additional injuries were reported. Eight units were dispatched to this call.
MISSOURI GOVERNOR CALLS SPECIAL SESSION OVER MEDICAID FUNDING
Missouri Gov. Mike Parson is calling lawmakers back for a special session to work out a deal on a critical piece of Medicaid funding.
Parson announced Tuesday that he is calling a special session beginning noon Wednesday so lawmakers can pass a tax on medical providers that draws down a significant amount of federal Medicaid funding.
At issue is an effort by some Republican lawmakers to stop Medicaid coverage for Planned Parenthood and some family planning services.
Parson says time is running out for lawmakers to cut a deal and protect the funding.
June 23, 2021
MISSOURI GOVERNOR SETS DEADLINE FOR DEAL ON MEDICAID FUNDING
Missouri Gov. Mike Parson is setting a deadline for lawmakers to work out a deal on a critical piece of Medicaid funding.
If lawmakers can't find a solution by Tuesday afternoon, Parson says he'll cut $722 million from the budget July 1.
At issue is an effort by some Republican lawmakers to stop Medicaid coverage for some contraceptives.
Those lawmakers are trying to attach the ban to a tax on medical providers that draws down a significant amount of federal Medicaid funding.
Parson says time is running out for lawmakers to cut a deal and protect the funding.
GROUP OF
A group of conservative, anti-abortion
The coalition sent Parson a letter asking him to include new, pro-life restrictions on Medicaid spending. They say then they will support the renewal of the Federal Reimbursement Allowance (FRA).
The FRA is the tax on medical service providers that forms the state match for hundreds of millions of federal Medicaid dollars.
Renewal of the FRA tax hit an impasse in May when two senators balked at the use of Medicaid for certain forms of birth control and Planned Parenthood.
On Saturday, June 19, 2021 at approximately 7:53PM, the Mexico Public Safety Department responded to the 900 block of Curtis in reference to a motorcycle crash. Responding personnel found that Richard C Dollens, age 25 of
June 22, 2021
On Saturday, June 19 at approximately 7:30PM, heavy wind followed by significant rain moved through the
On Sunday, June 20 at approximately 9:30PM, a line of thunderstorms moved through
There were no injuries from the incidents.
One person in every 1,349 people in the state was diagnosed with COVID-19 from June 13 to Sunday.
Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services spokeswoman Lisa Cox said the north-central and southwest part of the state are driving the surge.
While 53.3% of the population of Americans have initiated vaccination, most southern and northern
A handful of southern
A court trial over
The trial starts Monday in a
Voters last year amended the state Constitution to expand access to the health insurance program to hundreds of thousands more low-income adults, including three women who are now suing Gov. Mike Parson's administration.
The Republican governor says he won't expand Medicaid because the Legislature refused to pay for it.
Two single mothers and another low-income woman in response sued to force
June 21, 2021
At issue is an effort by some Republican lawmakers to stop Medicaid coverage for some contraceptives.
They want to attach the ban to a tax that provides a significant chunk of Medicaid funding.
Then the money is used to draw down federal Medicaid funding.
The state expects to bring in about $1.6 billion in taxes in the 2022 fiscal year, which would draw down another $2.9 billion in federal funding.
Lawmakers didn't reauthorize the tax this year. It expires Sept. 30. Federal law requires Medicaid programs cover family planning.
MOBERLY MAN ARRESTED AND ACCUSED OF BREAKING INTO MULTIPLE HOMES
A central
Moberly police say they first saw J’Angelo Robinson, 35, of Moberly, around 2:30 a.m. Thursday as he was running from a home on
Robinson, who was completely naked, was being chased by the homeowner.
When officers tried to make contact with him, they say Robinson failed to comply with their demands and, instead, resisted. Officers eventually took him into custody.
Officers spoke with multiple victims and witnesses who said Robinson had forced his way into three separate homes, causing property damage and assaulting one of the homeowners.
Police added one of the homes had small children inside at the time.
Robinson was arrested and is facing charges for Burglary 1st degree, Assault 3rd Degree, and Endangering the Welfare of a child.
He is being held in the Randolph County Jail on a $50,000 cash-only bond.
June 18, 2021
JUNETEENTH A FEDERAL
DED AWARDS $15.8 MILLION FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS STATEWIDE
The Department of Economic Development (DED) announced Tuesday it will award more than $15.8 million to 38 recipients through its Community Development Block Grant Program to help communities with infrastructure improvement and other projects across
“Strengthening infrastructure and improving our workforce remain my administration’s top priorities,” said Governor Mike Parson. “Whether repairing roads, upgrading facilities, or expanding job training opportunities, these grants allow us to invest in the future of
Funded projects for Fiscal Year 2020 include the construction or repair of roads and bridges, building community facilities, demolishing blighted or vacant structures, and more.
“Expanding and maintaining our state’s infrastructure is essential to economic development,” Department of Economic Development Director Rob Dixon said. “These projects are keeping our communities strong and preparing them for new opportunities in the months and years ahead.”
June 17, 2021
A
The accident happened Tuesday around 4 p.m., on
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Cheryl Weathers, 61, of
The train struck Weathers' SUV, which then came to a rest on the north side of the tracks.
Weathers sustained minor injuries in the crash and was taken by ambulance to
Her vehicle was totaled, while the train received just minor damage.
MU STUDY SAYS RURAL COUNTIES FACE NURSING SHORTAGE
Rural counties in the state are facing a nursing shortage at a greater rate than a shortage facing the nation and metropolitan areas, according to a
MU Sinclair School of Nursing assistant teaching professor Anne Heyen, analyzed data from around 136,000 licensed nurses to find age and geographical disparities across the state.
“Out of the 114 total counties in
The study found 31 % of
“In some of these rural areas where nearly half of the nursing workforce is nearing retirement, now is the time to be proactive and start thinking about who is going to replace them 10 years down the road,” Heyen said.
She said higher pay and more job opportunities in cities attack young nursing students and contribute to the geographical disparities in the nursing shortage.
On Wednesday at approximately 9:25PM, the Mexico Public Safety Department responded to the area of the 600 block of N Craig in reference to a report of gunshots. Responding personnel found evidence that a white, four door car had driven through the area and one of the occupants fired around three gunshots. A window of a vacant home was damaged. There were no injuries from the incident.
Anyone with information about this or any other crime is asked to contact CRIMESTOPPERS at (800) 392-TIPS or (800) 392-8477 or Mexico Public Safety at (573) 473-5800 or (573) 581-2100.
June 16, 2021
MISSOURI GOVERNOR SIGNS BILL THAT LIMITS PUBLIC HEALTH RESTRICTIONS
Missouri Gov. Mike Parson has signed a new law that will limit public health restrictions imposed by local governments.
The law takes effect immediately, but most
Parson says the law signed Tuesday will primarily affect future public health crises.
The law limits emergency orders restricting businesses, churches, schools or gatherings to 30 days, unless extended by the local governing body.
Parson says he generally supports local control, but that the new law is needed because he thinks some local officials overreached during the pandemic.
A judge has sentenced a 62-year-old child sexual abuser in southwest
Daniel Franklin, of rural
The jury recommended that he be sentenced to six terms of 99 years, three of 30 years and one of four years.
On Monday, Jasper County Circuit Court Judge Dean Dankelson followed the jury's recommendations and sentenced
Five girls, who are now teenagers, testified against
June 15, 2021
GOVERNOR PARSON SIGNS HB 85 ESTABLISHING SECOND AMENDENT PRESERVATION ACT
Last Week Governor Mike Parson signed HB 85 into law, establishing the Second Amendment Preservation Act in
“Throughout my law enforcement career and now as Governor of the state of
HB 85 prohibits state and local cooperation with federal officials that attempt to enforce any laws, rules, orders, or actions that violate the Second Amendment rights of Missourians. These protections against federal overreach are triggered if federal officials attempt to violate the state or federal constitution.
Additionally, the bill is an acknowledgment that the right to keep and bear arms is fundamental and inalienable, and that the nation's federalist constitutional structure limits the federal government's authority over states.
Under HB 85, any person or entity who knowingly deprives
MDC REMINDS ASH TREE OWNERS OF EAB CONCERN
The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) reports the presence of emerald ash borer (EAB) in 89
EAB is a small, metallic green beetle native to
Woodpecker damage, sprouts growing from the main trunk, and major branch loss can all indicate the presence of EAB in ash trees.
Protecting ash trees on your property with insecticides prior to attack by EAB is the best way to keep the trees alive.
June 14, 2021
PAVEMENT AND BRIDGE WORK WILL IMPACT TRAFFIC ON ROUTES IN
Weather permitting, MoDOT crews will be doing bridge and patching work on routes in
The ramps will remain open even while the bridge is closed.
For the closures, motorists will need to use alternate routes during these times.
WOMAN ALLEGES LAWMAKER TOLD HER TO DENY HIS INAPPROPRIATE CONDUCT
A woman says a former
Emily Orf spoke to The Associated Press about her interactions with now-Rep.
She did so after allegations became public last month that he had sex with a woman in 2015 when she was drunk and he was on duty as a
Orf told the AP that she had not spoken to Perkins for years until he called her last year and suggested that she deny what had happened to a police chief who was investigating.
Weekend Report- June 12-13, 2021
PAVEMENT AND BRIDGE WORK WILL IMPACT TRAFFIC ON ROUTES IN
Weather permitting, MoDOT crews will be doing bridge and patching work on routes in
For the closures, motorists will need to use alternate routes during these times.
Weather permitting, Monday, June 21, crews will close
This bridge is included in Gov. Mike Parson’s $351 million Focus on Bridges program, which will repair or replace 250 bridges across the state.
Crews will begin setting signs for the project to notify motorists of the closure. Some work on this project may take place during the night.
June 11, 2021
A union representing
The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that the president of the Missouri State Workers Union Communications Workers of America Local 6355 wrote to Parson on Wednesday.
The union asks that Parson consider demands that include paid time off to get vaccinated, personal protective equipment for employees, and that the state set up a process so workers with family and child care responsibilities may request a delayed return.
State officials say Missouri Department of Natural Resources Director Carol Comer has died.
Officials did not release a cause of death but Comer, who died Wednesday, announced in July 2019 that she was undergoing chemotherapy to fight cancer.
Comer was named director of the department in January 2017 by former Gov. Eric Greitens.
Gov. Mike Parson said in a statement that Comer was an accomplished leader and dedicated public servant and a strong advocate for
Details of where she died and services were not immediately available.
Before taking the job in
June 10, 2021
FEDERAL COURT PANEL BLOCKS
A federal appeals court panel has blocked
A three-judge panel of the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in St. Louis handed down the ruling Wednesday.
The panel heard arguments in September in the legal battle over the 2019 law, which also would prohibit a woman from having an abortion because the fetus has Down syndrome.
The lawsuit was filed by Reproductive Health Services, which operates
SIXTH ANNUAL HOME RUN AGAINST HUNGER RAISES OVER $23,500
Nearly one in five Missourians receives emergency food assistance each year. Through these challenging times, Missouri Farm Bureau Insurance recognizes the need to obtain and distribute food to hungry Missourians. Team members across the state collected donations throughout the month of April for distribution at one of the over 1,500 Feeding Missouri agencies located in their communities.
The statewide food drive wrapped up recently with over 2 tons of non-perishables food and $23,515 in donations.
In efforts to bring awareness to food insecurities around the state, Missouri Farm Bureau Insurance and Feeding Missouri will continue to work together throughout 2021. To learn more about food insecurity in
June 9, 2021
COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations continue to spike in southwestern
Meanwhile, 76 COVID-19 patients are hospitalized in
Towns says Memorial Day gatherings were a source of some of the recent spread, and she says there is concern about the pending gatherings for Independence Day.
Meanwhile, vaccination rates in southwestern
MISSOURI GOVERNOR PASSES BILL TO COMBAT OPIOID EPIDEMIC
On Monday evening, Missouri Governor Mike Parson signed Senate Bill 63 into law.
The new law creates a statewide prescription drug monitoring program.
It will also create the Joint Oversight Task Force of Prescription Drug Monitoring.
This group will be responsible to control where prescription drugs go to across the state of
Governor Parson believes this is a needed tool for
"This is just another tool that we're going to be able to use to help us fight when it comes to opioids, when it comes to the law enforcement community, when it comes to the medical community of how do we do it better," Parson said. "And this is going to be just another step in making that a better place and a better state."
The new law will also help better assist health care professionals in better monitoring on where opioids and other prescribed medicines are disposed.
Every other state in the country has adopted a drug monitoring program as well.
The law also states that patient information is considered a closed record under state law.
It will not be provided to local law enforcement agencies, prosecutorial officials or regulatory bodies for purposes not allowed under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
June 8, 2021
YOUNG EASTERN MISSOURI CHILD KILLED IN BOATING ACCIDENT AT
An 8-year-old boy was killed at the
The Waynesville,
Troopers responded to the incident around 3:40 p.m. at the 6 mile mark of Glaize Arm.
The boy was pronounced dead at the scene.
This is Troop F's second fatality this month and the 25th fatality this year.
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is now accepting applications for energy improvement loans from various organizations around the state.
Some of the organizations eligible for these loans are public schools, colleges and universities, local governments and hospitals.
These loans are part of the Energy Loan Program.
They may be used to improve an organization’s lighting system and heating and air conditioning.
We spoke with Energy Assurance Supervisor Daniel Dahler about how organizations may apply for these loans.
"As soon as your application comes in we will immediately start reviewing it," Dahler said. "Which we kind of do an initial review and we do a technical review where our engineer looks over all the information including your savings calculations and deems that it's a reasonable request and at that point we will send through our approval process to recommend that they get approved for the loan and it will get sent out to the applicant for signing."
Missouri DNR will be accepting applications for these loans through September 30.
Loan amounts of $10,000 to $1 million are available.
Each application will be evaluated on a first-come, first-served basis by the Department of Energy.
June 7, 2021
Weather permitting, Monday, June 21, crews will close
This bridge is included in Gov. Mike Parson’s $351 million Focus on Bridges program, which will repair or replace 250 bridges across the state.
Crews will begin setting signs for the project to notify motorists of the closure. Some work on this project may take place during the night.
MSHP: JOIN THE TEAM AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE
The Missouri State Highway Patrol, a premier law enforcement agency, is testing for new troopers. The Patrol is encouraging qualified individuals of all backgrounds to apply, and will offer testing at nine different locations in
To be eligible, candidates must possess a high school diploma or GED equivalent and be 21 years of age upon graduating from the Patrol’s
The starting annual salary for trooper is $49,536, and following three years of service, the trooper first class’ salary is increased to $52,200. Other benefits include group health insurance, contributory retirement, career advancement, and more.
The selection process is a multi-phase testing procedure including: written examination, a physical fitness for duty assessment, polygraph examination, background investigation, and oral interview board. Written and physical examinations take place in each troop area across the state. After a conditional offer of employment, the applicant must successfully complete a medical examination (to include vision and hearing), psychological examination, a psychological interview, drug screening, and final applicant review.
Interested persons can learn more about the updated qualifications by contacting a Patrol recruiter at 1-800-796-7000, or may apply online at www.motrooper.com.
Weekend Report- June 5-6, 2021
PAVEMENT AND BRIDGE WORK WILL IMPACT TRAFFIC ON ROUTES IN
Weather permitting, MoDOT crews will be doing bridge and patching work on routes in
For the closures, motorists will need to use alternate routes during these times. Please obey all work zone signs and personnel, and remember to always put your cell phone down to help eliminate distractions.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced on Wednesday that
Through LFLP, a team of agricultural, environmental, public health and regional economic development experts will work directly with Lincoln University Cooperative Extension and other community leaders to provide technical support to improve food security and the local economy in
This year, LFLP is sponsored jointly by EPA and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service, with multiple federal partners planning to participate. The 13 LFLP communities selected in 2021 were chosen from among 97 applicants.
Each selected community will work with a team of federal, state, and regional experts to address local agricultural, environmental, public health, economic development and equity issues. Together, they will develop a community-led action plan to strengthen the local food system and spur revitalization of often-overlooked neighborhoods in the community.
June 3, 2021
AMEREN
It’s that time of year when area residents are asked to take severe weather alerts seriously.
“When we issue that warning, things are coming together, that it’s getting pretty dangerous and it’s time for people to take action,” said Andy Bailey, NWS Kansas City Warning Coordination Meteorologist.
An electric company that provides service to many in the state has some safety tips for what people can do before and after severe weather.
Ameren
After severe weather hits, Ameren encourages to keep these safety tips in mind:
ADVOCADO TO ADD 100 NEW JOBS IN
Advocado, an advertising technology company, announced Wednesday it will add more than 100 high-paying jobs in
Advocado attributes their rapid growth and additional hiring to the Show-Me State’s affordable real estate, low cost of living, and skilled workforce. These new jobs will fill roles in engineering, data science, customer success, operations, sales, and marketing and will provide an average annual wage of more than $81,000.
For their expansion, Advocado used the Missouri Works program, which helps companies expand and retain workers by providing access to capital through withholdings or tax credits for job creation. Advocado’s growth was also supported by collaboration among Missouri Partnership, AllianceSTL, and the St. Louis Economic Development Partnership.
June 2, 2021
POLICE IDENTIFY TWO PEOPLE SHOT AT BRANSON RESTAURANT
Police have identified two people shot and killed outside a Branson restaurant over the weekend.
Branson police say 38-year-old Krystle Buhl, of Forsyth, and 39-year-old Richard McMahan, of Merriam Woods, died in the Saturday night shooting outside of Famous Dave's in Branson.
Television station KYTV reports that officers found the pair with gunshot wounds in the restaurant's parking lot.
Police say one victim died at the scene and the other died at a hospital.
Police say they have no suspects and no motive for the shootings.
Branson Police Chief Eric Schmitt says investigators have found no indication that the shooting resulted from a robbery.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol says four people died on
The patrol on Tuesday released details of the three-day weekend that began Saturday and ended Monday.
The patrol cited 270 accidents on roads, and 10 involving boats.
The agency says 112 people were arrested for driving while intoxicated, and eight others were arrested for boating while intoxicated.
The patrol also reported 79 drug-related arrests - 77 on the roads and two on water.
The four traffic deaths occurred in Bates,
The Missouri Supreme Court has struck down a 2018 state law that imposed new requirements on some public sector labor unions.
In a 5-2 ruling Tuesday, the Supreme Court said the law violated the constitution's equal protection rights by exempting public safety unions from the new requirements imposed on other types of unions.
The law passed by the Republican-led Legislature required other public sector unions to hold recertification elections every three years and to get annual approval from employees to deduct dues from paychecks.
The Supreme Court majority said there was no rational basis to treat public safety unions differently.
On Monday, May 24 at approximately 6:06PM, the Mexico Public Safety Department responded to the 1000 block of
June 1, 2021
GOVERNOR PARSON RELEASES REPORT ON THE IMPACT OF DEFENSE CONTRACT SPENDING IN
Last Week Governor Mike Parson announced that more than $14 billion in military defense contracts were awarded to
The latest report focuses on the value of U.S. Department of Defense and related agency contracts awarded to
ASHCROFT REMINDS MISSOURIANS TO BEWARE OF PAYMENT SCAMS
Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft is reminding Missourians that the Business Services Division in his office will never ask for payment by gift card.
Business Services, which oversees filings for all businesses in
According to the Better Business Bureau, scammers convince victims to buy gift cards and then ask for the numbers on the back, so they can steal the money loaded on the cards.
“We will never ask you to pay by using a gift card,” Ashcroft said. “We have multiple forms of payment that our staff will direct you to use, including our e-payment system or by mail. Our fee schedule and any convenience fees are available on our website.”
The fee schedule and any convenience fees may be found at sos.mo.gov/business/corporations/forms.
The Business Services Division may be reached by calling (866) 223-6535 or emailing corporations@sos.mo.gov.
On Monday at approximately 12:16PM the Mexico Public Safety Department responded to the 1300 block of
May 31, 2021
BRIDGE AND PATCHING WORK PLANNED FOR ROUTES IN
Weather permitting, MoDOT crews will be doing bridge and patching work on routes in
For the closure, motorists will need to find alternate routes during these times. Please obey all work zone signs and personnel, and remember to always put your cell phone down to help eliminate distractions.
MISSOURI TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION AWARDS $1 MILLION IN GRANT FUNDING TO SUPPORT STARTUPS AND ENTREPRENEURS
Missouri Technology Corporation (MTC) announced Thursday it will award over $1 million in infrastructure-focused grant funding to help build support for startups and entrepreneurship throughout
The MOBEC Program provides funding to expand the capacity of non-profit organizations supporting entrepreneurs, as well as research institutions looking to attract competitive funding. The program is used to enhance research and development in targeted high-tech industry clusters and to help create jobs through entrepreneurship and innovation.
To date, through MOBEC and other grant programs, MTC has partnered with over 60 entrepreneurial support organizations in communities across the state and awarded almost $27 million in entrepreneurial-focused infrastructure grants that have served thousands of small businesses.
In addition to serving as a statewide connector for
May 28, 2021
MAKE SAFETY A TOP PRIORITY FOR MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND
Colonel Eric T. Olson, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, recognizes Memorial Day weekend is highly anticipated and reminds motorists the Patrol will be participating in Operation C.A.R.E. (Crash Awareness Reduction Effort) during the long holiday weekend. This means every available trooper will be on the road enforcing traffic laws and assisting motorists.
Over the 2020 Memorial Day holiday weekend, 10 people died and 444 were injured in 1,081 traffic crashes. Last year, troopers made 118 DWI arrests.
The Memorial Day weekend is also an unofficial start to the boating season. During the 2020 Memorial Day weekend, there were 11 boating crashes which included one fatality and seven injuries. One person drowned over last year’s holiday weekend. Troopers arrested 11 people for boating while intoxicated over the 2020 Memorial Day weekend.
This year's counting period for the holiday weekend begins at 6 p.m., Friday, May 28, and ends at 11:59 p.m., Monday, May 31, 2021. Troopers will focus their attention on seat belt use, use of child safety seats, impaired drivers, hazardous moving violations, and speed violations.
If your plans include driving or boating, choose to be courteous and obey all
Motorists or boaters in need of assistance or who want to report a crime should use the Highway Patrol's Emergency Assistance number 1-800-525-5555 or *55 on a cellular phone. For road condition reports, travelers can visit the Patrol's website at www.mshp.dps.mo.gov. Click on the Road Condition icon to view road construction areas as well as road conditions throughout the state or call 1-888-275-6636.
Motorists are encouraged to do their part to make
BE
As pandemic restrictions loosen around the state, Memorial Day highway traffic on
With the heavy holiday weekend traffic, the Missouri Department of Transportation will not have work zones with routine lane closures beginning at noon on Friday, May 28, through 6 a.m. on Tuesday, June 1.
“Memorial Day is typically the start of the summer travel season and with more people taking to the roads the need to remain alert when behind the wheel is even more essential,” said MoDOT’s Deputy Director/Chief Engineer Ed Hassinger. “Highway safety is everyone’s responsibility. Buckle up. Put your phone down. Every trip. Every time.”
Some of the major work zones with permanent lane closures will remain in place for the holiday weekend.
May 27, 2021
Montgomery County Route J at Clear Creek, located 2.5 miles west of Missouri Route 19 near
The bridge was originally built in 1962 and while rest of the bridge was in reasonably good condition, the deck had significant deterioration. “The bridge deck was completely replaced and is now 22 feet wide, two feet wider than before,” said Missouri Department of Transportation Area Engineer Erik Maninga. Guardrail was also added for safety.
This bridge is included in Gov. Mike Parson’s $351 million Focus on Bridges program, which will repair or replace 250 bridges across the state.
REMAINS OF
Forty years to the day after a woman was found dead in a rural area of
The woman who detectives have known only as Jane Doe for four decades was Karen Kay Knippers, according to a sheriff's department news release.
Her death is being investigated as a homicide.
Knippers' body was discovered at 8:47 a.m. on May 25, 1981 in
She had been beaten, strangled, and left in shallow water.
Knippers was found with a pair of pantyhose wrapped around her neck.
She was not destitute. Her stylish clothing, expensive dental work, and general appearance of being in good health indicated that she was probably not indigent.
But she could not be identified and was buried in the
Her remains were exhumed in 2015 and forensic analysis was done the next year.
In March 2016, a report concluded that the DNA extraction and development was successful.
The DNA Doe Project in December 2019 provided a possible name of Jane Doe and the name of a possible relative, according to the sheriff's department.
A month later in January 2020, the sheriff's office located a possible relative of Jane Doe in
As it turned out, the man told detectives he had a sister he had lost contact with in the early 1980s.
The possible relative agreed to provide a DNA sample.
The genetic data of Jane Doe and the candidate were entered into additional databases in May 2021.
The samples "were noted to be 19.4 million times more likely to be the biological sibling" than an unrelated person, the news release stated.
The man was Jane Doe's brother, and she was officially identified as Karen Kay Knippers.
May 26, 2021
MISSOURI GOVERNOR APPOINTS
Governor Mike Parson has appointed the first Black woman to serve as a Missouri Supreme Court judge.
The Republican governor on Monday named Missouri Eastern District Appeals Court Judge Robin Ransom to the high court.
She's replacing Judge Laura Denvir Stith, who retired in March.
Ransom will join Chief Justice George Draper as the second Black judge currently serving on the Supreme Court.
She won't need Senate confirmation.
Former Republican Governor Matt Blunt first appointed Ransom to serve as a St. Louis County Circuit Judge in 2008.
Parson appointed her in 2019 to serve as an appeals court judge.
NEW PROGRAM SEEKS TO CRACK DOWN ON HUMAN TRAFFICKING IN
“It’s everywhere and I think people are starting to take the blinders off and actually see it now,” Julie Meranda said. She is the assistant director at Redeem Project Ministry, a
Meranda said now is the time to help victims of human trafficking.
Captive Grace is looking for volunteers, who will be trained from the Exodus Cry Intervention Manual, an anti-sex-trafficking organization.
The Mexico Public Safety Department responded to the 1000 block of West Breckinridge after a disturbance involving a gun Monday. According to a press release, a 30 year old
May 25, 2021
BRIDGE AND PATCHING WORK PLANNED FOR ROUTES IN
Weather permitting, MoDOT crews will be doing bridge and patching work on routes in
For the closure, motorists will need to find alternate routes during these times. Please obey all work zone signs and personnel, and remember to always put your cell phone down to help eliminate distractions.
SUPREME COURT REFUSES TO HEAR DEATH ROW INMATE’S APPEAL FOR A FIRING SQUAD
The Supreme Court has refused to hear an appeal from a
Over the dissent of the three liberal justices, the court on Monday left in place a lower court ruling against inmate Ernest Johnson that could allow him to be executed by lethal injection.
He is on death row for killing three convenience store workers in
Johnson has argued that
The effect of the court's order is to prevent Johnson from amending his lawsuit to include the possibility of execution by firing squad, which is not authorized under
May 24, 2021
GROUP OF SINGLE MOTHERS SUES
Two single mothers are among a group of women suing
The two mothers and a third woman sued Republican Gov. Mike Parson's administration last Thursday.
Voters last year amended the Constitution to expand access to the health insurance program to hundreds of thousands more low-income adults, including the three women.
Gov. Parson last week dropped plans to expand Medicaid after the Legislature refused to pay for it.
The women say they need the health insurance program to get treatment for illnesses including asthma and diabetes.
CLICK IT OR TICKET ENFORCEMENT CAMPAIGN REMINDS EVERYONE TO BUCKLE UP
Longer days and warmer weather mean summer fun is almost here. As you gear up for a weekend excursion, or maybe even a road trip with family and friends, make sure everyone in the vehicle is buckled up for every trip.
The Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety is joining with state and local law enforcement May 24 – June 6 in the national “Click It or Ticket” enforcement campaign to highlight the importance of buckling up. Along with wearing a seat belt, they want to remind motorists to slow down, put the phone down and never drive impaired.
For 2020, preliminary data indicates 428 individuals killed in
Missouri’s new strategic highway safety plan, Show-Me Zero, Driving Missouri Toward Safer Roads, identifies four key focus areas to help reduce traffic deaths, including the importance of seat belts, car seats, and motorcycle helmets. Other focus areas in the plan include distracted driving, speeding and impaired driving. For more information on the Show-Me Zero plan, and to check out the Coalition’s new video promoting the plan, visit www.savemolives.com.
Weekend Report- May 22-23, 2021
MAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN PIKE
A
DRIVER INJURED IN SATURDAY NIGHT WRECK
A driver was injured in a one-vehicle wreck Saturday night in
TEEN HURT IN EARLY FRIDAY MORNING CRASH
A teen was hurt in an early Friday morning crash in
May 20, 2021
DED AWARDS $18.8 MILLION TO HELP COMMUNITIES PREPARE FOR NATURAL DISASTERS
The Department of Economic Development (DED) announced Wednesday it will award $18.8 million to 29 recipients through its Community Development Block Grant Mitigation Program to help communities recently affected by disasters become more resilient.
Funded projects include infrastructure improvements, strengthening public buildings, generators for facilities, and improving disaster warning systems.
With the Memorial Day holiday weekend on the horizon, and more people starting to hit the roadways, we wanted to know what motorists should watch out for.
Missouri State Highway Patrol Corporal Justin Dunn provided some advice.
"Motorists can obviously make sure safety is part of their planning, follow all traffic laws, wear their seat belts and don't drive impaired," Dunn said.
Over the Memorial Day holiday weekend last year, 10 people died and 444 were injured in 1,081 traffic crashes.
Troopers also made 118 driving while intoxicated arrests.
The counting period for the patrol this year for the Memorial Day holiday weekend is from 6 p.m. May 28 to 11:59 p.m. May 31.
May 19, 2021
ELITE TOOL EXPANDS IN
Elite Tool, a manufacturing company specializing in machining and fabrication, announced Tuesday it will invest more than $3 million to expand its existing facility in Moscow Mills. The expansion includes plans to add 20 new jobs to Elite Tool’s workforce.
Elite Tool’s 71,000-square-foot facility is strategically designed to provide customers a comprehensive array of services to simplify supply chain requirements, reduce cost, and save time. To meet customers’ increasing needs, the company’s expansion will add positions with an average wage of $41,400 across all departments.
For its expansion, Elite Tool used the Missouri Works program, an incentive tool to help companies expand and retain workers by providing access to capital through withholdings or tax credits for job creation.
A conservative advocacy group's
The secretary of state said Monday that Americans for Prosperity-Missouri's director filed the referendum petition.
Republican Gov. Mike Parson is expected to sign the bill into law.
May 18, 2021
CHARGES FILED IN 36 YEAR OLD
At a May 14 news conference,
"This case has never left this community and has always been in the back of mind of every person who's ever worked in justice enforcement, including me and my office," Cunningham said.
Investigators said then 30-year-old dental assistant Diane Lukosius was driving home from a Christmas party Dec. 15, 1984, when she was forced off the road into a ditch outside her home in Camelot Estates and was bludgeoned. She died two days later in the hospital.
They said Hicks knew the woman and had seen her at a local tavern that night. Deputies interviewed the suspect's wife, who said she remembered Hicks was drunk the night Lukosius was killed. Others told investigators Hicks would get violent when he had been drinking. Cunningham's office pick up the case, and in January, tracked Hicks to
Camden County Sheriff Tony Helms joined the department 30 years ago, just after the Lukosius murder and initial investigation. He said making an arrest now has taken the weight off decades of work.
"It was very emotional," Helms said. "But after you get past that emotion, everybody's just taking a big deep breath and a sigh of relief. There's closure."
Cunningham said Hicks was considered a suspect early on and was questioned in 1989 and 1990, but no charges ever came of that.
Hicks now faces prosecution for second-degree murder. If convicted, he could spend what's left of his life in a
GOVERNOR PARSON SIGNS FY 2021 SUPPLEMENTAL BUDGET BILL
Last week Governor Mike Parson signed HB 15, which allows for the continued current operations of state government through FY 2021. HB 15 totals over $2.1 billion, including $254.8 million in general revenue, $1.7 billion in federal funds, and $116.7 million in other funds.
The supplemental budget bill contains funding for several items, including the USDA’s Summer Food Service Program, Pandemic Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, and the Coronavirus Local Government Fiscal Recovery Fund. HB 15 also includes funding for road construction, long-term care, child care providers, water and sewer bill assistance, and homeowner financial assistance, among others.
May 17, 2021
The bill passed Friday would shield hospitals, manufacturers and other businesses from lawsuits over alleged wrongdoing during the pandemic.
The bill now goes to Gov. Mike Parson, who made it one of his priorities.
If signed by Parson, it wouldn't take effect until Aug. 28. The bill would prevent lawsuits against businesses unless someone can prove they were exposed there and sickened by the coronavirus, and that the business was acting recklessly.
HUMAN TRAFFICKING PREVENTION OPERATION SAVES 9 VICTIMS
Nine victims were rescued Friday night during a joint human trafficking operation conducted by several
According to a release from the state attorney general's office, the Columbia Police Department, Boone County Sheriff’s Office, Missouri State Highway Patrol, Missouri Attorney General’s Office and "a multitude of other local, state, and federal agencies" conducted the operation out of the Holiday Inn East hotel in Columbia. In addition to the nine victims, participating agencies "made contact" with two children during the operation. Two suspects were detained.
Rise Coalition, True North and Relentless Pursuit offered victim services, including on-site medical treatment, food, counseling and lodging to the nine rescued.
The investigation is ongoing. Jeremiah Hunter, CPD assistant police chief and commander of the department's Investigations Bureau, said his team will continue to work toward the attorney general's goal of quelling human trafficking in the region.
The following agencies participated in the operation: The Missouri Attorney General’s Office, Columbia Police Department, Boone County Sheriff’s Office, Johnson County Sheriff’s Office, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, St. Joseph Police Department, Missouri State Highway Patrol, MSHP’s Division of Drug and Crime Control, MSPH’s Missouri Information Analysis Center, Missouri Gaming Commission, Missouri Department of Corrections, Missouri Department of Probation and Parole, Homeland Security Investigations and the Internal Revenue Service.
Weekend Report- May 15-16, 2021
Weather permitting, the west bound Interstate 70 trucking parking only lot at
“We have a contractor who manages the temporary repairs, and we are now going in to make all the permanent repairs needed to the surface,” Maninga said.
On Sunday, May 9 at approximately 3:19AM, a Mexico Public Safety officer observed a blue 2003 Ford Explorer being operated erratically in the area of
The suspect is described as a tall, slim black male with a goatee. Anyone with information about this or any other crime is asked to contact CRIMESTOPPERS at (800) 392-TIPS or (800) 392-8477 or Mexico Public Safety at (573) 473-5800 or (573) 581-2100.
There were no injuries from the incident.
May 14, 2021
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services announced their approval of the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine for children aged 12-15.
DHSS Acting Director Robert Knodell and State Epidemiologist Dr. George Turabelidze signed a standing order to allow the administration of the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine to kids in that age group. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration have approved the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine in kids as young as 12.
The order allows about 313,000 more people to get vaccinated.
DHSS is working to enroll pediatricians into the state's vaccine program. This will allow doctors to order the vaccines needed.
In most cases, parents or guardians will need to be present for children under 18 to get the vaccine. Sometimes, written permission will be accepted.
HY-VEE ANNOUNCES PHARMACY LOCATIONS ARE ADMINISTERING FREE COVID VACCINES TO 12-15 YEAR OLDS
On Thursday, Hy-Vee, Inc. announced that all Hy-Vee pharmacy locations are now administering free COVID-19 vaccines to individuals ages 12 to 15, per the U.S. Food & Drug Administration and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s recent approval of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for this age group.
Hy-Vee has been offering the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine to individuals 16 and older for several weeks.
Minors must have parental or guardian consent in order to receive the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine.
Hy-Vee asks that a parent or guardian accompany minors to both their first and second dose COVID-19 vaccinations.
Individuals can walk in to receive the vaccine, or make an appointment in advance online.
For those who prefer to make a vaccine appointment in advance, they can visit www.hy-vee.com/covidvaccine, select “Find Appointments” and complete the digital vaccine informed consent form and appointment selection.
COVID-19 vaccines are free for everyone, regardless of whether they have insurance or Medicare Part B coverage.
MISSOURI GOVERNOR DROPS PLANNED MEDICAID EXPANSION
Missouri Gov. Mike Parson has dropped plans to expand the state's Medicaid program after the Legislature declined to provide money for a measure approved by voters.
The Republican governor said Thursday that his administration has withdrawn an expansion plan that had been submitted to federal officials.
Parson said he cannot proceed with it because the $35 billion budget approved by the Republican-led Legislature did not approve his funding proposal for the expansion.
The decision is likely to trigger a lawsuit from supporters of Medicaid expansion.
Voters last November approved a ballot measure expanding eligibility to low-income adults.
May 13, 2021
MISSOURI SENATE PASSES BILL TO LIMIT POLICE CHOKEHOLDS
The Missouri Senate has voted to limit when police can use chokeholds.
The bill's 31-2 bipartisan passage Wednesday in the GOP-led Senate represents a rare step by state lawmakers to take action in response to police violence.
Little has been done by
Suburban St. Louis Sen. Brian Williams this year proposed banning police chokeholds following George Floyd's death.
The bill was pared back to only allow police to use chokeholds in self-defense if they or someone else are in serious danger.
The bill given final approval Wednesday would limit orders restricting businesses, churches, schools or gatherings to 30 days, unless extended by the local governing body.
The bill was prompted by outrage over long-lasting restrictions in
Lawmakers also are nearing final approval on legislation that would let businesses affected by restrictions to seek property tax breaks.
MISSOURI HOUSE PASSES GAS TAX INCREASE
Republican lawmakers in
The GOP-led House on Tuesday voted 104-52 to gradually raise
If signed by Republican Gov. Mike Parson, the measure would raise the tax by 2.5 cents a year until it hits 29.5 cents per gallon in 2025.
Drivers could get a refund if they save their gas receipts.
Some GOP lawmakers argued the tax hike will impact poor families the most.
Weekend Report- May 8-9, 2021
IF GRASS IS GROWING, MOWERS ARE MOWING
It has been a rainy spring and that—coupled with warmer temperatures—means seasonal growth on
"Even the most aggressive warning lights and signs aren’t effective when drivers are distracted," said MoDOT State Maintenance Director Natalie Roark. “For the health and wellbeing of our workers and yourself, please watch out for our crews, slow down, buckle up and put your phone down. We want everyone to get home safely.”
Major and minor routes are mowed in three cycles usually starting in mid-May and continuing in July and September. MoDOT mows about 400,000 acres of grass statewide each year, which is equivalent to 300,000 football fields. Along with mowing, crews selectively use herbicides to stunt vegetation growth, control brush and stop the spread of noxious weeds. Encouraging wildflower growth and using herbicides carefully adds additional benefits in reducing the amount of time spent mowing.
On rural two-lane roads, crews may use a protective "follow" truck to alert motorists they are approaching slow-moving mowers.
PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD OPENS ON STATEWIDE TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM
A draft 2022-2026 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) that focuses on taking care of the state’s existing transportation system was presented to the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission.
Missouri Department of Transportation Planning Director Eric Curtit told commissioners the draft STIP includes 1,417 highway and bridge projects, of which 84% will maintain the system in the condition it is in today. On average, this STIP annually invests in 740 lane miles of interstate pavements, 1,387 miles of major route pavements, 2,733 miles of minor route pavements and 277 bridges.
“MoDOT’s priority is maintaining the existing system of highways and bridges,” Curtit said. “We have developed asset management plans for each district, which focus on preventive maintenance improvements to keep good roads and bridges in good condition. If preventive maintenance investments were not made, the cost of improving the asset in poor condition can cost four to ten times more.”
This STIP includes funding for the “Focus on Bridges” program that was initiated by Governor Parson and funded by the Missouri General Assembly in 2019. The first phase authorized $50 million in general revenue to expedite the repair and replacement of 45 bridges that had already been identified as some of the state’s top bridge priorities by local planning organizations. The second authorized $301 million in bonding – to be repaid over seven years from general revenue – to repair or replace another 215 bridges that had been previously prioritized, contingent on Missouri receiving a federal INFRA Grant to replace the I-70 Missouri River Bridge at Rocheport.
May 7, 2021
On Tuesday at approximately 2:21PM, the Mexico Public Safety Department responded to the 2700 block of
Anyone with information is asked to contact CRIMESTOPPERS at (800) 392-TIPS or (800) 392-8477 or Mexico Public Safety at (573) 473-5800 or (573) 581-2100.
MISSOURI GOVERNOR ANNOUCES SCALING BACK OF NATIONAL GUARD’S INVOLVEMENT IN VACCINE CLINICS
Gov. Mike Parson announced Thursday the Missouri National Guard has begun scaling back its assistance with mass vaccination sites across the state.
A news release from Parson's office cited a significant decrease in demand for the vaccine as the primary reason for the withdrawal.
“We are in a far different situation today than we were just a couple months ago," Parson said in the release. “
According to the release, there are no plans to cancel state-supported vaccine events through the month of May. Operation of those sites will begin to shift, however, and Parson's office said it expects a full withdrawal of the National Guard by June 1. Groups such as FEMA, the Missouri Disaster Medical Assistance Team and other local groups will continue to assist with sites previously operated by the National Guard.
Officials said SEMA will also still supply PPE for local events and will provide volunteers for local events.
State officials are continuing to work with vaccinator sites across
The governor's office cited data that shows 80 percent of Missourians live within a five-mile radius of a vaccination site.
“Vaccines are readily available all across the state, and Missourians can often walk right into their local pharmacy and receive a shot," Parson said in the release. "With universal vaccine availability and decreased interest at our mass vaccination events, scaling back our state-supported teams is the right decision for the most efficient use of our resources."
According to the state's dashboard, more than 4 million doses of the vaccine have been administered in
The bill passed Wednesday by the House now goes to Gov. Mike Parson.
It previously passed the Senate.
The National Guard currently is part of the state Department of Public Safety, which also oversees the State Highway Patrol, the State Emergency Management Agency, the state's fire safety office, alcohol and tobacco regulators and other programs.
Some legislators have tried for several years to carve out the National Guard into its own department.
May 6, 2021
MISSOURI GOVERNOR DIRECTS STATE WORKERS TO RETURN ON MAY 17
On Wednesday, Missouri Gov. Mike Parson directed all state workers to return to their offices for in-person work no later than Monday, May 17, 2021, and that all state buildings be open and accessible to the public during normal business hours.
“Since the start of COVID-19, our state team members have gone above and beyond to keep state government running and continue providing quality public service to Missourians,” Gov. Parson said. “Thanks in large part to their efforts,
“With COVID-19 vaccines now readily available across the state and virus activity at its lowest levels since early days of the pandemic, we are confident that it is safe to return to pre-COVID-19 work settings and schedules,” Gov. Parson added.
COVID-19 screening and testing protocols will remain in place, and all employees are encouraged to consider getting vaccinated. Vaccines are available to all state employees. Team members can use vaccinefinder.org to find available vaccinators in their area. While there will be no statewide mandates, state team members are encouraged to practice COVID-19 preventative measures.
“As public servants in state government, it is important that we maintain a front-facing presence for those we serve, and it’s time we take this step towards normalcy for ourselves and the people of
The Missouri House has passed legislation to crack down on protesters who block roadways.
The Republican-led House voted 98-50 to pass the bill.
The legislation would make repeatedly blocking traffic a felony.
The tactic is often used to draw attention to racial injustice.
Protesters angered by the death of George Floyd blocked traffic on Interstate 70 in the
The House also amended the bill to cram in provisions from dozens of other loosely related bills.
The number of changes made to the Senate bill likely means negotiators will pare it back in the final version.
May 5, 2021
WOMAN MISSING REPORT FROM
A woman who was last seen in the
MISSOURI
Judges could issue lifelong restraining orders that also cover pets under a bill passed by the Missouri Legislature.
Senators on Monday voted 31-0 to send the bill to Gov. Mike Parson.
Currently, orders of protection are limited to at most one year.
After that, victims have to go back to court to get an extension.
Under the bill, judges have the option to grant restraining orders for longer lengths of time depending on the potential threat.
The orders could be automatically renewed.
The measure also would allow restraining orders to cover people's pets.
NEWLY INTRODUCED HOUSE BILL WOULD EXPAND WIC PROGRAM TO FARMERS MARKETS
A
House Bill 652, sponsored by Columbia Democratic Representative Martha Stevens, would expand the program that already allows low-income
Taylor Cleveland, manager of Lincoln University Farmer's Market said the opportunity would provide recipients with more options for nutrient-rich foods. She said local farmers work hard to make certain their products are safe and healthy.
"They don't grow organically, they try really hard not to use pesticides or herbicides and it's very much so a health-conscious market, especially with COVID, and we've had a huge increase in customers and they are all looking for local fresh."
If passed, the Missouri Department of Agriculture will work to secure eligible farmers and farmer's markets.
May 4, 2021
The Missouri Veterans Commission (MVC) announces the launch of the Missouri Benefits and Resource Portal. In collaboration with the Missouri Department of Economic Development (DED) Office of the Missouri Military Advocate, MVC created the portal to serve as an informational tool and service guide to help Veterans find potential benefits and local resources.
The initiative for a one-stop-shop for Veteran resources began after a
The portal can be found at veteranbenefits.mo.gov. Updates will be made as new resources become available.
For more information about the Missouri Veterans Commission programs, call 573-751-3779 or visit mvc.dps.mo.gov.
MAY IS MOTORCYCLE AWARENESS MONTH
Warm spring weather has arrived, and motorcyclists are eager to hit the road. As they tune their engines and prepare for numerous road trips to come, the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety wants to remind motorists and motorcyclists alike to “Watch for Motorcycles” in order to help prevent motorcycle crashes, deaths and injuries on Missouri roadways.
“Preliminary reports indicate that 13% of all
May 3, 2021
Missouri has reported just 14 breakthrough COVID-19 cases among people who are fully vaccinated to federal health officials, even though dozens more have been detected in just the state's largest county.
The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention asked states at the start of this month to instruct local health departments and health systems to collect real-time information on "breakthrough infections."
States are to collect the data and enter it into a national database.
By mid April, when the CDC announced its first tally of breakthrough infections, it caught a disease investigator for the St. Louis County Department of Public Health by surprise.
A community briefing will be held Monday at 3 p.m. to provide information about the current state of COVID-19 cases and the future of the Health Orders in
The briefing will be held in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 701 E. Broadway. Members of the media are invited to attend. Social distancing measures will be in place. Masks are required. Due to social distancing measures and limited capacity in the Council Chambers, the public is strongly encouraged to view the briefing via livestream or via local media broadcasts.
The briefing will be livestreamed for the public at http://gocolumbiamo.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?publish_id=65422f1d-3cac-496e-a46b-91c619f7f894 and will begin five minutes before 3 p.m. and broadcast live on Spectrum 992, Mediacom 80 and CenturyLink 96.
Weekend Report- May 1-2, 2021
NEW
Last winter, the new climbing lanes on Interstate 70 in
In addition, the project included the replacement of the eastbound
“One of the primary purposes of this entire project is to enable traffic to flow more safely and efficiently,” explained Missouri Department of Transportation Project Director Brandi Baldwin.
This bridge was included in Gov. Mike Parson’s $351 million Focus on Bridges program, which will repair or replace 250 bridges across the state.
The Mineola Hill project was made possible by a federal Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) grant in combination with the replacement of the I-70 Missouri River Bridge at Rocheport in Boone and
Weather permitting, Tuesday, May 4, crews will close Montgomery County Route P at Dry Fork Creek, located 0.7 mile south of Montgomery County Route K near
Crews will begin setting signs for the project to notify motorists of the closure.
April 30, 2021
The Missouri House is advancing a bill to limit pandemic-related lawsuits.
The GOP-led House gave the proposal initial approval in a voice vote Thursday.
Under the bill, businesses and private property owners couldn't be sued unless they intentionally expose people to a contagious illness and people get sick.
The bill would prevent government interference with businesses or other privately owned properties unless there's a major infectious disease outbreak and governments couldn't order someone to quarantine unless they're infected.
Limiting COVID-19 lawsuits is a top priority for Republican Gov. Mike Parson.
Lawmakers only have until mid-May to pass the bill.
The Missouri Senate has voted against paying for Medicaid expansion.
Senators on Wednesday voted 20-14 against a proposal to add the funding to the state budget.
The vote locks in the House's decision not to pay for Medicaid expansion.
Missouri voters last year voted to expand who is eligible for government health care coverage to thousands more low-income adults.
The Republican-led Legislature has long opposed growing the program.
Now they're trying to thwart expansion by blocking funding for it.
If lawmakers send the governor a budget without paying for the program, it likely will set up a court battle.
April 29, 2021
CDC UPDATES COVID-19 GUIDANCE FOR FULLY VACCINATED ADULTS
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated mask guidelines for those who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19. An individual is fully vaccinated two weeks after receiving the second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine or two weeks after receiving the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
The new recommendations apply only to fully vaccinated individuals. Those who are not fully vaccinated, as well as anyone fully vaccinated while taking medications that weaken the immune system, should continue to adhere to all previous recommendations regarding masking and social distancing.
According to the CDC, fully vaccinated individuals may now do the following:
· Gather indoors with other fully vaccinated people without wearing a mask or staying six feet apart.
· Gather indoors with unvaccinated people of any age from one other household without masks or staying six feet apart unless an unvaccinated person at increased risk for severe illness is present. Note the recommendation is “one other household,” not two or more households.
· Gather or do things outdoors without wearing a mask except in crowded settings and venues.
· If you have been around someone who has COVID-19, you do not need to quarantine or get tested for the virus unless you have symptoms.
· If traveling within the
· If traveling outside of the
· When boarding an international flight back to the
· You do not need to quarantine after arriving back in the United States; however, you should still get tested three to five days after returning from international travel or sooner if you are experiencing symptoms.
The CDC recommends that fully vaccinated people continue to practice precautions in other situations:
Continue wearing a snugly fitted mask in indoor public settings, while indoors with unvaccinated adults and children from more than one household, and when visiting indoors with an unvaccinated person at increased risk for severe illness.
Avoid large indoor gatherings.
Protect yourself while traveling by wearing a mask, practicing good hand hygiene, and maintaining social distance when possible.
If you begin to experience symptoms of COVID-19, immediately quarantine, and get tested.
Continue to follow guidance at your workplace and while visiting public places.
COVID-19 vaccines are effective at preventing the disease, especially severe illness and death from it. However, there are several issues undetermined about vaccines:
How effective they are against COVID-19 variants
How long they protect people against COVID-19
How effective they are at keeping vaccinated people from spreading the disease
How well they protect people with weakened immune systems and those taking medications that suppress immunity
Comprehensive information regarding the updated guidelines for vaccinated people is available on the CDC website.
HY-VEE PHARMACY NOW OFFERING FREE COVID VACCINES WITHOUT APPOINTMENTS
On Wednesday, Hy-Vee, Inc. announced that all Hy-Vee pharmacy locations will now offer free COVID-19 vaccines with no appointment necessary to provide the option to walk in and receive the vaccine when it’s convenient.
For those who prefer to make a vaccine appointment in advance, that option is still available by visiting www.hy-vee.com/covidvaccine, selecting “Find Appointments” and completing the digital vaccine informed consent form and appointment selection.
COVID-19 vaccines are free for everyone, regardless of whether they have insurance or Medicare Part B coverage.
BILL DISCOURAGING COVID RELATED LAWSUITS HITS ROADBLOCK
A
A House committee voted the bill down Monday.
The measure was meant to protect hospitals, manufacturers and other businesses from lawsuits over alleged wrongdoing during the pandemic.
Republican Gov. Mike Parson says the bill is a top priority for him.
The measure passed the GOP-led Senate before it failed to pass out of the House committee.
It's still possible for the proposal to pass before lawmakers' May 14 deadline, but the failure in the House committee isn't a good sign.
The Missouri Senate has tabled a bill to invalidate federal gun laws after pushback from Democrats who said the proposal would threaten partnerships between local and federal authorities.
The bill seeks to invalidate federal laws or other actions deemed to infringe on a person's Second Amendment right to bear arms, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.
Republican Sen. Eric Burlison, of Battlefield, said it would allow individuals to sue local police departments and governments if their action "knowingly deprives a citizen of
Critics have said courts have ruled that federal laws cannot be nullified by the states.
April 28, 2021
A Missouri House committee unanimously endorsed a proposal to increase the state's gasoline tax.
The House Transportation Committee's vote on Monday sends the measure to the full House, where some Republicans oppose raising taxes.
If it's approved,
It would be the first increase since 1996.
House Speaker Rob Vescovo, a Republican from
The Senate approved the measure in March.
Supporters say the state needs the revenue to repair deteriorating infrastructure.
The number of Missourians who have been infected with the coronavirus has now topped the half-million mark.
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services on Tuesday cited 524 newly confirmed cases of COVID-19, bringing the total since the start of the pandemic to 500,071.
The state also reported 37 new deaths, though 34 of those occurred between November and earlier this month and were uncovered in the state's weekly review of death certificates.
All told, 8,732 Missourians have died from the virus.
April 27, 2021
Weather permitting, Tuesday, May 4, crews will close Montgomery County Route P at Dry Fork Creek, located 0.7 mile south of Montgomery County Route K near
This bridge is included in Gov. Mike Parson’s $351 million Focus on Bridges program, which will repair or replace 250 bridges across the state.
Crews will begin setting signs for the project to notify motorists of the closure.
GOVERNOR PARSON ANNOUNCES LIHEAP ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM CHANGES TO HELP MORE MISSOURIANS PAY ENERGY BILLS
Last week Governor Mike Parson announced that the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is extending one-time primary heating bill payments through May 31, 2021.
In addition, eligibility for both the heating and cooling programs are expanding from
60 Percent of the SMI
|
Number of Persons |
Monthly Income |
Yearly Income |
|
1 |
$ 2,211 |
$ 26,531 |
|
2 |
$ 2,891 |
$ 34,694 |
|
3 |
$ 3,571 |
$ 42,858 |
|
4 |
$ 4,252 |
$ 51,021 |
|
5 |
$ 4,932 |
$ 59,184 |
|
6 |
$ 5,612 |
$ 67,348 |
To determine eligibility for households over six people, add an additional $128 per person per month or $1,536 per year.
In addition to meeting the income criteria, households must also meet the following criteria to qualify for LIHEAP:
Winter ECIP runs November through May and helps get low-income households out of crisis when its energy source has been shut off or is at risk of disconnection. Low-income Missourians who have received a disconnect notice or know a disconnect notice is coming should get help now to prevent service disconnection later.
Missourians can submit a LIHEAP application form online, by mail or fax, or drop off a paper application form in person.
April 26, 2021
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services announced Friday vaccinators throughout the state will resume using the single-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
The decision comes 10 days after the CDC announced a nationwide pause on the shot due to a small number of people reporting a rare and severe type of blood clot caused by the vaccine.
The FDA and CDC made the decision to lift the pause after the CDC studied the vaccine and concluded the "known and potential benefits" of the single shot vaccine "outweigh its known and potential risks."
Even though the side effects are rare, both the FDA and CDC recommend people who develop "severe headache, abdominal pain, leg pain or shortness of breath within three weeks" of receiving the Johnson & Johnson vaccine should immediately contact a health care provider.
A law proposed by state lawmakers in
The proposal would give voters the option to stop the collection of personal property taxes in
Items in this tax include vehicles, livestock, machinery and office equipment.
But, some lawmakers like Missouri State Senator Cindy O'Laughlin say that the lost revenue would be too much and would hurt rural communities.
"A lot of things that it is paying for, our schools, our nursing homes, our emergency services," said State Senator Cindy O'Laughlin. "So, no one from the state Legislature level is going to come in and give us money to replace that loss, so there's no way I'm voting for it."
The bill already failed in the Senate earlier this year, but the house has reintroduced it and will vote on it before the end of the legislative year.
With COVID-19 putting millions of Americans out of work, some have had a hard time getting back on their feet.
However, some lawmakers believe the reason that the unemployment rate is going up is not due to there not being jobs, but that they are making more money from staying at home, than at their original jobs.
With Republicans like Missouri State Senator Cindy O'Laughlin saying that the aid is hurting the economy, not helping it.
"They're not very good at getting things done, but one thing they can do is keep you from getting it done and I think that's what happening here," said
According to the Department of Labor,
Weekend Report- April 24-25, 2021
TEENAGE GIRL KILLED IN AUDRAIN
An unidentified teenage girl from
MAN INJURED IN MOTORCYCLE CRASH EARLY SUNDAY MORNING
A man was injured in a motorcycle crash early Sunday morning in
TEEN HURT IN FRIDAY MORNING WRECK
A teen was hurt in a one-vehicle wreck Friday morning in
April 23, 2021
HOUSE PASSES BILL BANNING TRANSGENDER GIRLS FROM COMPETING IN GIRLS SPORTS
Transgender girls would be banned from playing on girls' sports teams under a bill advancing in the Missouri House.
House lawmakers voted 100-51 on Wednesday to add the proposal to another bill.
Republican supporters argued the change is needed to protect girls in sports.
They decried the risk of being called bigots, hateful or transphobic for proposing the rule.
Democrats at times wept and said the rule change could push transgender children to kill themselves.
A Missouri Senate budget committee has voted against funding Medicaid expansion.
The budget panel voted 7-7 Wednesday on a Republican-sponsored proposal that would have set money aside to pay for the program.
The tied vote meant the proposal failed.
The Republican-led Legislature is arguing over whether to pay for it.
The leader of the budget committee says it's now up to the full Senate to make a final decision on funding for the program.
April 22, 2021
On Wednesday, the Missouri House voted overwhelmingly to expel Republican Rep. Rick Roeber from the House, who is accused of sexually and physically abusing his children years ago.
Top lawmakers cited the offenses he committed make him unfit to serve.
His now-adult children testified to House investigators earlier this year that he sexually abused two of them at the ages of 5 and 9.
The committee found records that show his children reported the abuse years ago but prosecutors didn’t file charges. He previously told the committee that he didn’t sexually abuse his children.
Columbia/Boone County Public Health and Human Services (PHHS) is partnering with Boone Health and MU Health Care to host a COVID-19 vaccination outreach clinic at
The clinic is being held at the park for neighbors in the area but all are welcome to schedule an appointment. Moderna will be given at this clinic so anyone aged 18 or older is eligible for the vaccine. The vaccine is free and no health insurance is required.
Appointments are encouraged but walk-ins are welcome. Appointments can be made by following this link: CoMo.gov/Health/fgfhysiispkd/?ap=ftyhkuio39ddd%*7_special_event or by visiting
April 21, 2021
BABYSITTER CHARGED WITH SECOND DEGREE MURDER IN DEATH OF
A 44-year-old babysitter has been charged with second-degree murder in the death of an 8-month-old girl.
Jennifer Johnson, of Fayette, was charged Monday after the girl died on Sunday night at a
Johnson was also charged with child abuse and child endangerment.
Court documents say the child suffered multiple bruises on her head, face and abdomen, as well as cuts on her chin and nose.
Johnson was babysitting for the child and her siblings Saturday night.
When the parents returned Sunday morning, they found the baby unresponsive and rushed her to a hospital.
Johnson was being held in the Boone County Jail with no bond.
DIRECTOR OF
Republican Gov. Mike Parson on Tuesday announced the departure of Department of Health and Senior Services Director Dr. Randall Williams.
Williams was appointed to the job in 2017 by Parson's predecessor, former GOP Gov. Eric Greitens.
Williams helped lead the state's response to the coronavirus pandemic and is leaving amid the vaccine rollout.
Parson says he's naming his deputy chief of staff, Robert Knodell, to be the state's acting health director.
Parson says Knodell has also been leading the state's COVID-19 response, but Knodell doesn't have a medical background as Williams does
REPORT SAYS
A state House committee report says a new
The Missouri House Ethics Committee on Monday released its report on Republican Rep. Rick Roeber.
His now-adult children testified to House investigators earlier this year that he sexually abused two of them at the ages of 5 and 9.
The committee found records that show his children reported the abuse years ago but prosecutors didn't file charges.
The committee says claims against Roeber are credible.
Roeber tried to resign last week, but the House refused to accept his resignation in order to complete the investigation.
April 20, 2021
On Sunday at 9:27 pm, MPSD were called to the 800 block of Boulevard regarding a residential fire. They found that a candle had been left burning, unattended, in the living room. The candle caught nearby window dressings on fire. The fire was contained and extinguished in that area with the curtains and ceiling suffering fire damage but the rest of the building was not damaged. There were no injuries from the incident.
At approximately 11:16 a.m. on April 18, the Columbia Police Department responded to a report of a death that occurred in the 1000 block of
Upon arrival, officers discovered the victim was an eight month old female.
During the course of the investigation, detectives with the Department’s Criminal Investigations Division were called to assist and determined the death of the infant was a homicide.
A suspect was identified as Jennifer Johnson, 44, of Fayette.
As a result, Johnson was arrested for second degree murder, child abuse and first degree child endangerment.
Johnson has been remanded to the custody of Boone County Jail.
This investigation is ongoing and is being handled by the Criminal Investigations Division. More details may become available later.
If you know something, say something. Columbia Police are asking for your help. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to please contact the Columbia Police Department at 573.874.7652 or CrimeStoppers at 573.875.TIPS (8477) to remain anonymous.
THREE
Three
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, a vehicle driven by 68 year old Linda Hoaglin of
April 19, 2021
Called Stronger Together, the campaign will begin next month and will provide vaccination information through radio, TV, print and social media messages.
Vaccinators this week reported hundreds of openings for appointments around the state, despite the opening of eligibility.
State data also shows that just 33.3% of residents had received at least one dose as of Thursday.
Health department spokeswoman Lisa Cox says the number of public health agencies requesting vaccines dropped by half last week.
HEALTH OFFICIALS WARN OF POSSIBLE LEGIONNAIRES DISEASE EXPOSURE AT MACON HOTEL
State and local health officials are warning of a potential for Legionnaires' disease exposure at a hotel in northeast
Two people were diagnosed with the severe form of pneumonia after using the hot tub or the pool late last month while staying at a Comfort Inn & Suites in
Officials say it is unknown whether the hotel was the source of the bacteria that caused the two people to become sick.
KMIZ-TV reports that testing of the hot tub indicated the presence of Legionella bacteria; all other test results were negative.
ARMED ROBBERY REPORTED IN MOBERLY
Moberly police are investigating the report of a weekend armed robbery.
The incident happened at 10:15 a.m. Saturday, at Check into Cash, located on
Police say a male subject walked into the business, displayed a handgun and demanded money.
The subject then fled the store on foot with an undisclosed amount of cash.
An employee and customer were inside the store when the robbery occurred and were not injured.
According to witness description and surveillance video, the subject is identified as a tall white male, medium build, and was wearing dark colored clothing and had a partial covering over his face.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Moberly Police Department at 660-263-0346 or the Moberly Crime Line at 660-269-TIPS. Any area residents that possibly have surveillance cameras are also asked to check their footage, and contact the department if they observe anything of value related to the investigation.
Weekend Report- April 17-18, 2021
PAVEMENT WORK WILL TEMPORARILY
Weather permitting, Apr. 19-23, MoDOT crews will close Montgomery County Route FF from
On Wednesday, April 14 at approximately 11:44PM, the Mexico Public Safety Department responded to the 400 block of
April 15, 2021
COLUMIBA POLICE RESPOND TO SHOTS FIRED REPORT
Columbia Police responded to the 300 block of
During the investigation, officers located two juveniles that were in the area. Probable cause was developed to detain both juveniles.
Both juveniles were released to their guardians.
No property damage was located.
No injuries were reported.
This is an ongoing investigation. More information may become available at a later time.
If you know something, say something. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to please contact the Columbia Police Department at 573.874.7652 or CrimeStoppers at 573.875.TIPS (8477) to remain anonymous.
WANTED SOUTHEAST IOWA MAN CAPTURED IN
A wanted fugitive from southeast
Trevor David White, 36, of
He was arrested on multiple active felony warrants out of Appanoose and Wapello counties in
Authorities in
The fugitive was described as armed and dangerous with violent tendencies, who was known to abuse drugs and was an escape risk.
During a surveillance operation, White left the residence, reportedly to get breakfast in
On the way into town, a
They said White failed to yield and led law enforcement on an approximately 15-mile pursuit into Sullivan County, Missouri.
There, he was arrested in a field behind a home on
White waived extradition and was transported to the
New
April 14, 2021
Captain Corey J. Schoeneberg, commanding officer of Troop F,
GOVERNOR PARSON ORDERS CAPITOL DOME AND GOVERNOR’S MANSION LIGHTED PURPLE IN RECOGNITION OF MILITARY CHILD DAY
Governor Mike Parson has ordered the Missouri State Capitol dome and Missouri Governor’s Mansion to shine purple on Thursday in recognition of Military Child’s Day.
The dome and Governor’s Mansion will light up at sunset on April 15 and remain lit until sunrise on April 16. The color purple represents all branches of the military – the combination of each of their respective colors combined into one.
Missourians are encouraged to wear purple on Thursday to show their support for military children. Businesses are also encouraged to incorporate purple into their window displays and entrances.
April 13, 2021
MAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN MONDAY AFTERNOON WRECK
An O’Fallon man was seriously injured in a one-vehicle wreck that occurred at 4:05pm Monday in
SUNDAY NIGHT MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT KILLS DRIVER
WOMAN HURT IN ST. CHARLES COUNTY CRASH
A woman was hurt in a Monday afternoon crash in
April 12, 2021
Everyone 16 and older in
State officials had announced last month that vaccines would be opened to everyone old enough to receive one on April 9.
State officials estimate that about 4.5 million
State figures show 1.8 million people in
Of those, more than 1.1 million, or about 19% of the population, had been fully vaccinated.
Nationwide, about 110 million people - more than 33% of the US population - have received at least one dose of a coronavirus vaccine, while about nearly 65 million people have completed their vaccination.
MU HEALTH CARE TO HOST COVID-19 VACCINE EVENT LATER THIS WEEK
MU Health Care is now offering nearly 7,000 COVID-19 vaccine appointment slots to all
The State of
The first-dose appointments slots are available between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. April 15, 16 and 17. The second doses will be scheduled 21 days later.
The website includes a link to their scheduling system, called TimeTap. Those who need help scheduling an appointment can call the COVID-19 vaccine call center at 573-771-CARE (2273). The call center is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
MU Health Care initially received 4,000 doses for a two-day vaccination event, but an extra day of vaccinations was made possible by an additional state allocation of doses to Columbia/Boone County Public Health and Human Services for a mass vaccination event that will utilize MU Health Care’s vaccination site and staff with help from the Missouri National Guard for parking and patient assistance.
MU Health Care’s vaccination site is at the Walsworth Family Columns Club at MU's football stadium and offers the vaccine by appointment only. The area is designed to allow appropriate spacing, efficient patient flow and minimal wait times. For detailed instructions and directions to the site, go to muhealth.org.
Weekend Report- April 10-11, 2021
WOMAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN OSAGE
A
MAN INJURED IN SUNDAY MORNING WRECK
A Rolla man was injured in a one-vehicle wreck Sunday morning in